Elmbridge proposes a budget that invests in the community

Elmbridge Borough Council is proposing a budget that delivers real, tangible benefits for residents, investing in our communities, supporting those who need it most, and helping our borough thrive.

We are taking positive steps to make everyday life easier, including:

• Freezing parking charges across all council‑run car parks
   
• Introducing a 30‑minute free parking trial in Cobham, Weybridge and Esher, building on the existing offer in Walton‑on‑Thames
   
• Reducing town‑centre car park charging hours from 7pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (trial from April 2026)
   
• Delivering new water play splashpads in Cobham and Molesey as part of a £2 million investment
   
• Allocating an additional £500,000 to the voluntary sector to support vulnerable residents facing rising living costs
   
• Providing a further £500,000 to households in receipt of Council Tax Support to help with day-to-day expenses. 
   
• Designating £650,000 to our town and village centres and climate initiatives to accelerate our environmental progress
   
• Committing over £11 million in affordable homes to meet growing local demand

We will also continue to support local events and community spirit by offering free parking on Remembrance Sunday and at major community celebrations such as the Walton Festival of Light, Cobham Onederland, and the Molesey Carnival.

These investments reflect our long‑standing, responsible financial approach, ensuring that the benefits of careful budgeting are returned directly to the people of Elmbridge.

Delivering a balanced, responsible budget

Despite rising demand for services, reduced government funding, broader economic pressures and increased energy costs, Elmbridge is proposing a balanced budget with no use of reserves for day-to-day spending. This is a significant achievement at a time when government constraints assume council tax increases and make sound financial planning increasingly difficult.

To protect essential services and continue supporting residents, a small increase in Elmbridge’s portion of council tax is necessary. The proposed 2.99% rise, around 15p per week for a band D property, is set at the right level to safeguard service quality both now and into the future.

Preparing for the new East Surrey Council

As we prepare for the transition to the new East Surrey Council on 1 April 2027, it is vital that Elmbridge sets a balanced, affordable and achievable budget. This ensures the new authority begins from a position of financial strength, protecting services, supporting residents and building long term resilience for our communities.

Investing in what matters to our communities

Throughout 2025, Elmbridge has focused on the priorities that matter most to residents:

• Supporting communities: through an enhanced grants programme that is helping more vulnerable residents’ access vital support 
   
• Strengthening the local economy:
  • new Business Improvement Districts for Esher and Weybridge, unlocking up to £1.5 million of investment over five years
  • a second term for the Love Walton BID
  • continued support for the One Cobham BID
     
• Improving play and leisure: £2.5 million invested in new park equipment and splashpads, with over £2 million more planned for the year ahead
   
• Driving sustainability: through collaboration with the Elmbridge Citizens’ Climate Panel to shape environmental priorities
   
• Empowering young people: with the Youth Hub supporting more than 150 young people into skills, training and employment
   
• Enhancing daily life: through new 30‑minute free parking, improved leisure facilities, safer walking and cycling routes, and targeted support for residents facing housing pressures

Investing in communities

We’re investing in our communities, supporting those who need it most, and helping our borough thrive. By taking positive, practical action to make everyday life easier, we’re ensuring Elmbridge continues to be a place where people feel supported, valued and confident about the future.

Cllr Mike Rolling, Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council
Cllr Simon Waugh, Deputy Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council
Cllr Jez Langham, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources

Further information

• Agenda and papers for Elmbridge’s February Cabinet meeting
   
• Elmbridge Borough Council strengthens commitment to delivering affordable housing
   
• Elmbridge proposes largest single‑year investment in play in years
   
• Air Quality Management Areas under review: Elmbridge is proposing to revoke all six Air Quality Management Areas after sustained improvements in local air quality