At a recent council meeting councillors agreed an increase of 2.99% in Tandridge District Council’s share of council tax for 2026/2027. The meeting also agreed the Council’s budget for next year.

The Council’s share of Band D council tax will increase to £259.86. This is around £4.98 a week, an increase of 14p from last year. This will help pay for a wide range of vital services like recycling and waste collections, parks and open spaces and supporting the most vulnerable residents.

This year’s Band D council tax will be £2,550.85, which equates to around 98% of the total amount. This amount is divided among the different organisations as follows:

• 75% (£1,938.42) Surrey County Council.
• 13% (£352.57) Surrey Police.
• 10% (£259.86) Tandridge District Council.

The above Band D figure does not include parish precepts, which vary across the district, but average at about 2% of the total.

Visit www.tandridge.gov.uk/counciltax for full details about council tax, along with quick and easy ways to pay council tax. In March, bills will arrive, by post, or e-mail if residents have opted in to e-billing.

Help and advice about paying bills is available on the guidance and support web page or from Citizens Advice.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Catherine Sayer, said: “I know that any increase in council tax is unwelcome. We have tried hard to keep down the cost and at the same time, provide value for money services to residents and businesses.

Our increase for a typical household is 14p a week, but the increases from the other organisations add to your bill. I urge anyone who may struggle to pay to contact us.”

Special habitats for bees and birds have been set up at railway stations across Surrey and Sussex.

The “Homes for Nature” have been installed at multiple stations including East Grinstead and Horley in a bid to improve biodiversity and support a natural environment.

Currently, 172 habitats have been created at 38 stations across the UK with the aim to reach 200.

Dr Luke Dixon, who is the director of the Bee Friendly Trust said, “They will be of benefit not just to the creatures but to the rail users whose environments will be enriched.”

Tandridge District Council has won High Court orders to stop unlawful works on land at Chelsham, Shipley Bridge and Horne. 

The judges ruled all three developments are unauthorised and must stop.  The courts also awarded costs to the Council. 

At the Chelsham site, the judge has ordered that the land must be returned to agricultural use, hedging replanted, and gates and fencing removed.  The Council’s Enforcement Team will make sure the courts’ orders are followed and the sites are vacated within the legal deadlines. 

The Council is currently pursuing 12 injunctions to protect Green Belt land and uphold planning law.