Please note that your household bins are being collected on the amended Christmas schedule until Monday 13 January. The garden waste service will also continue its two-week annual break until Monday 13 January so that our crews can focus on household waste during this busiest time of the year. Garden waste members will be able to recycle their real Christmas trees using their scheduled garden waste collections from 13 January. Christmas trees can also be recycled at your local Surrey County Council community recycling centre. Make sure you remove all your decorations first!

In readiness for the government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, the Council has agreed some changes to the borough’s waste and recycling services. Simpler Recycling aims to make recycling easier and more consistent for all waste collection with four waste streams. Although nine out of 10 of the borough’s homes can already dispose of all four (food waste, paper and card, dry mixed recyclables and non-recyclables) from home, we're taking action to roll-out the full service to all households by March 2026. As progress is made, and people can recycle from home, we will be phasing out our remaining recycling sites. We have also taken the difficult decision to gradually withdrawal our commercial waste service over the next few years and will work with business customers to find alternative provision.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 14 January between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions and or ideas that you would like to put to him, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Safer Redhill is bringing together the Council, Surrey Police, YMCA East Surrey businesses and other organisations to take pride in the town centre and tackle the causes and effects of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime. In recent weeks we saw 17 women take part in a new women's self-defence course at Redhill Amateur Boxing Club. Proactive police work has included taking part in County Lines Intensification Week, which saw increased enforcement activity alongside engagement opportunities, such as visits to schools, hotels and work with Crimestoppers. YMCA East Surrey also continues to build connections with young people through its Y Bus. 

Since our last e-news update, we have received further information about the condition of The Harlequin Theatre. The intrusive RAAC survey showed that almost every panel tested was classified as ‘red’ - at critical risk. We’re in discussions with the head leaseholder about the implications of these findings. In parallel, we continue to explore interim options for art and culture provision. The Council’s Executive will receive a report later this month, when all factors will be considered and next steps agreed.

Do you have a passion for public service? Would you like to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council which is committed to delivering the best for its residents? If yes, then please take a look at our vacancies. We are currently recruiting for among others: a Deputy Chief Finance Officer, Technical Analyst, and an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer. We are also recruiting for Casual Drivers.

Merstham Rec’s new pavilion is now up, with a green roof and solar panels on the way. More equipment is being added to the play area and the tennis court and multi-use games area have been resurfaced. In addition, designs for the exciting new parkour course have been finalised and construction will start soon. We’re also working with students from Merstham Park School, who planted around 2,500 spring bulbs, and are collaborating with Surrey artist ‘Uncle Stubble’ on artwork for the pavilion and parkour course. See our last newsletter for a full update.

Sign up to Surrey Environment Partnership's Rethink Waste scheme and you can help Reigate & Banstead primary schools win a share of £1,000 a month to improve their school environment. Six local schools are taking part and looking to fund some fantastic projects, from creating a sensory garden to buying litter pickers. By joining Rethink Waste you'll win points for completing fun, easy online activities that help you reduce waste. You can then donate your points to your chosen participating schools.

The public consultation on our draft budget for the financial year 2025/26 ends soon and we're keen to hear from residents, businesses and partners before the survey closes at noon on Monday 13 January 2025. Like all local authorities, we face ongoing and new financial pressures, due to many factors including a continued reduction in central government funding, and the impact of ongoing economic factors. This means that every year we need to budget carefully.

Don’t forget to tell us your views on Horley open spaces in our joint survey with Horley Town Council. Your views will help us to improve outdoor recreational sport and play facilities in the area. We want to hear from residents, sports groups and visitors to find out how you use them, what you think about them and what other facilities you would like to see to help keep fit and active. You could be in with a chance to win a £100 shopping voucher by taking part. The survey closes at 9am on Monday 20 January 2025.

I Choose Freedom is an independent charity that provides refuge and a path to freedom for survivors of domestic abuse. They have three refuges that house women and children, and as part of the Refuge Accommodation For All project, also offer self-contained units to support any survivor. I Choose Freedom aims to empower those who’ve experienced domestic abuse, provide refuge, and put an end to domestic abuse. They want to ensure that every survivor of domestic abuse knows that refuge is an option when fleeing, and it doesn't have to be a daunting one. You can find out more, volunteer and donate using the link below.

The Department of Work and Pensions is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so that they continue to receive benefits. Tax credits are closing in April 2025. Customers must respond to their migration notices before the deadline to continue receiving benefits.