Issues and SWOT: Epsom and Ewell

strength

Protect the links between established nature areas

Manor Open Space links Horton Country Park and Epsom Common.

Connected habitats and public access need continuing care.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

3.1% of people reported bad or very bad health in Epsom and Ewell council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 2.1% in Nonsuch to 4.5% in Court — a gap of 2.4 percentage points.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

strength

Connect local skills to local opportunities

44.3% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Epsom and Ewell council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 9.1% in Nonsuch to 18.6% in Ruxley — a gap of 9.5 percentage points.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

weakness

Provide a clear safe route across the Hogsmill

The stepping-stone crossing was closed after safety concerns.

A funded bridge is not yet a route people can use.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £1,690 a month (August 2026) in Epsom and Ewell council area. This is £231 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 5.4% in Nonsuch to 39.7% in Town — a gap of 34.3 percentage points.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Make the proposed sports hub affordable to use

Hook Road Arena has a funding allocation.

Public benefit depends on usable sessions and access.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

18.1% of people in Epsom and Ewell council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 8.8% in Horton to 24.5% in Ewell Court — a gap of 15.7 percentage points.

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Epsom and Ewell council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

4 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

opportunity

Target support where disadvantages overlap

Households facing two or more measured disadvantages ranged from 6.4% in Nonsuch to 19.4% in Court — a gap of 13.1 percentage points.

These households met at least two census conditions covering education, employment, health and housing. This is not an income or poverty measure.

threat

Keep Ewell’s street improvements within a clear scope

The council sought more funding after costs rose.

Further changes could reduce what is delivered.

Evidence