The first ever Reigate & Banstead Junior Games were a roaring success. Organised in partnership with Better Leisure, the games finale which took place on Sunday 13 July at Donyngs Leisure Centre in Redhill, brought together children aged 7 - 11 years from across the borough for an extra-ordinary day of fun, sport, and games. The games followed ten weeks of free coaching in basketball, pickleball, swimming, and SEND multi-sport. During the finals, the children put on a fantastic show watched and cheered on by family, friends, and coaches. At the event, many parents shared their appreciation for the event, describing how proud they felt seeing their children step up and embrace a new sport. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the games, and thank you to all the tutors for the training.

The most significant change to local government in Surrey is upon us, and as part of this the Government wants areas like Surrey to benefit from new Strategic Authorities — led by an elected Mayor. To do this, Surrey must first reorganise into unitary councils which will combine the existing county, district, and borough services.

12 councils in Surrey will be abolished by April 2027 and the Government is consulting on whether two or three unitary authorities should be established in place. 

Alongside eight other councils in Surrey, we strongly support a three unitary council model for this county. We believe it will achieve the best balance to deliver value for money whilst maintaining strong local connections and identities, and providing high-quality services.

The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations. Make sure to have your say by Tuesday 5 August 2025.

We have launched our new Corporate Plan, Reigate & Banstead 2030, which sets out our vision and strategic priorities for the coming years, up to and through local government reorganisation. The Plan describes what is important to the borough, to our residents, businesses and the partner organisations that we work so closely with and will guide the services that the Council provides to local residents. It is underpinned by three key themes: enabling our communities to thrive, supporting those in need, and ensuring a resilient council.

Our most exciting school holiday programme yet is well and truly underway. We have already had many bookings and some great feedback on some of our offerings. Our activities are varied, affordable, and spread across the borough. So, whether your little one is into filmmaking, JamCoding, tennis, outdoor adventure, trampolining or skateboarding, or they are the creative type who prefer things like bracelet and bag making, we have got them covered. They can even try their hand at African drumming. Take a look at our activities today and book to secure a space.

We are excited to welcome Pizza Express to The Rise, Redhill. The restaurant opened its doors to customers on 24 July and is already proving a popular addition to the town centre. To celebrate, Pizza Express will be hosting an opening celebration on Wednesday 6 August, giving away 200 free Margherita (Classic, vegan or gluten-free) pizzas between 2pm and 4pm on a first come, first served basis. The arrival of Pizza Express is the latest in a host of dining and entertainment choices within the Council’s flagship leisure venue offering even more to keep Redhill town centre alive all day and into the evenings. The Rise has now also created 200 full time equivalent jobs since it first opened in summer 2023. 

Want to have a say in future elections? Look out for an email, text or form from us asking you to check your electoral registration details. Make sure to follow the instructions we’ve sent as soon as possible so that you don’t risk losing your chance to vote. The annual canvass is currently underway, which helps us to keep the electoral register up to date and invite people to register to vote if they aren’t already. Elections for a new shadow unitary authority to replace the existing county, borough and district councils in Surrey will take place in May 2026, so this is an important opportunity to make sure you can take part. 

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will again be available to take your questions, on Tuesday 26 August 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

The week-long festival of the arts will return to Redhill this October for the third consecutive year. Whether you’re an enthusiastic spectator or want to get creative yourself, Arts Takeover has something for everyone. New for this year will be an Arts Takeover Market Stall and Redhill's Recycled Fashion Show (see events section), with the full line up set to be announced later in the summer.

Would you like to make a difference in people's lives? Are you passionate about public service? We are recruiting for a Revenues and Benefits Assistant, an Arborist, a 7.5 Tonne Driver and a Reserve Driver. Please take a look at our vacancies.

Looking for an eco-friendly way to power your home? In partnership with the Solar Together scheme, we are offering support for homeowners and small businesses looking to install solar panels and battery storage. Register online today to receive a free offer from the Solar Together scheme!

On Wednesday 18 June, councillors agreed to carry out a borough-wide review of the most suitable ways to represent residents at a community level. For Horley and or Salfords & Sidlow, which are already served by a town or parish council, people will be asked whether the existing arrangements continue to be appropriate or if they should be updated. For other areas, the review will consider whether local communities would be better served by having a parish or town council. The first consultation phase for the Community Governance Review started on 24 July. Carrying out the review now allows local people to consider parish and town councils in light of the local government reorganisation, which will see all 12 councils in Surrey abolished and replaced with three or two unitary authorities.

Join us at The Belfry Shopping Centre Community Stage on Tuesday 7 October, 6pm to 8pm, to strut your sustainable style. Part of the 2025 Arts Takeover, this is your chance to be a catwalk model and showcase your style, creativity and eye for a bargain. Anyone aged 13 and over, living in or Redhill based, can take part. You can come solo, with a friend or represent your school, community group, or neighbourhood. Small groups welcome.

This is My Theatre will be back at The Castle Grounds, Reigate on 15 August with a performance to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year. The audience will choose which of her most treasured works to watch - will it be Emma or Pride & Prejudice? Both are packed with rivalries, regrets and, of course, plenty of romance!

Young artists, aged 25 and under, are invited to submit their work for a community art exhibition - 'This Is Me'. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Council and The Lucy Rayner Foundation, which will be hosted by the Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill from 4 to 18 October 2025 as part of the Arts Takeover. We're looking for portraits on canvas that are a celebration of identity, creativity and what is important to you. Artwork should be submitted by Tuesday 30 September.

A local charity, Action for Carers, has launched a new campaign to reach over 120,000 unpaid carers in Surrey who are not getting the help and support they deserve. The charity hopes that missing carers can sign up for support. It offers a wide range of entirely free services and activities, covering practical, legal, financial and emotional matters. From help with benefits forms and advice on your rights, to support groups, practical care, wellbeing events, free days out and more. You’ll find all the support you need, helping you feel less alone, more informed and hopefully more positive about the future.

Did you know Reigate & Banstead is home to a truly unique charity led by autistic people and people with learning disabilities? The Pro-Active Community isn’t just for people with disabilities – it’s run by them. This pioneering local group supports people to lead change, build skills, and feel part of something bigger. The Pro-Active Community campaign on local issues that matter – like better access to healthcare and inclusive transport. They also run workshops on confidence, rights and money management.; and they create space for friendships, fun and creativity – from drama groups to bake-offs!