Social Value Ideas for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Resolution to exclude public

The committee agreed to move into exempt session under the Local Government Act 1972 because the business involved likely disclosure of exempt information. The transcript states that the report relate…

“Item two, exclusion of press and public. I'm afraid, um, I have to read it out again. Um under section 100 {bracket} A {bracket} 4 of the Local Govern…”

Whistleblowing policy revised

The committee did not approve the proposed speaking up policy on the day and instead agreed it should be revised and brought back to the November meeting. Members raised a wide range of concerns, espe…

“So um the reports brought uh the policy is brought forward at appendix one um for consideration and with recommendation to approve um I'm happy to tak…”

Two co-opted members approved

The committee approved recruitment of two independent co-opted members for the audit and governance committee, to serve for the remainder of the shadow period and then for a four-year term to 31 March…

“So this report introduces the um, uh, and asks for the committee sign off for the approval of the recruitment selection process for independent co-opt…”

Confidentiality and anonymity

Committee members asked for a presumption of confidentiality, clearer handling of anonymous concerns, and a more explicit route for public and staff reporting. Officers agreed to look at the existing …

“the policy places the onus on the person raising concerns to highlight their request for confidentiality. I feel it should be the other way around. Bu…”

Draft procurement rules to be revised

The committee reviewed early drafts of the new East Surrey finance procedure rules and procurement/contract procedure rules. Officers confirmed thresholds were not yet populated and that benchmarking …

“This report is presented gives us early sight of both the finance and the procurement and contract sections of the new constitution for East Surrey an…”

Constitution approved with dispute

Council approved the constitution for 2026-27, despite objections that it contains defects and that a proposed amendment was ruled out because it was not properly submitted. This creates a governance …

“Item six. In accordance with the requirements of standing orders for the annual meeting, this meeting is required to approve the constitution. As note…”

Move to exempt session

The committee agreed to exclude the public and press so that the exempt commercial property report could be discussed in closed session. The stated reason was that the report dealt with information re…

“Just before Mark does, just just to note that the actual report cited is within the exempt appendix. So, I just wanted to make sure that what Mark say…”

Final accounts approved

Members approved the Conservators’ final accounts for 2025-26. The accounts showed a favourable variance of £18,000, increasing the working balance to £89,000 and leaving the repairs and renewals rese…

“And the £18,000 has been added to the working balance, uh which brings that up to a total of £89,000 at this point. Um and just to point out that the …”

Outturn overspend covered by reserves

The council reported its 2025/26 outturn, with an adverse revenue variance and significant temporary accommodation overspend, but said this would be managed through reserves. Capital underspends would…

“So so this is the 2526 um, outturn position. In fact, it's actually probably the last outturn report that will be delivered to this committee. Um, so …”