This work ensures the new authority is established on a foundation of financial strength, protecting services, supporting residents and building long-term resilience for all our communities. 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. This means all town and village car parks will offer 30 minutes’ free parking
Reducing charging hours in town centre car parks so that charges end at 6pm, rather than 7pm, as part of a trial beginning in 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 such as high street improvements, cycling infrastructure, support to improve sustainability in our communities and new deployable CCTV cameras
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.
For more information about out capital programme see financial performance and annual accounts.