Issues and SWOT: Reigate and Banstead

strength

Keep local arts active during the theatre closure

The continuation scheme has awarded support to displaced groups.

Activities can continue while the main venue is unavailable.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

3.4% of people reported bad or very bad health in Reigate and Banstead council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 2.1% in Meadvale & St John's to 4.6% in Horley Central & South — a gap of 2.6 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

40.2% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Reigate and Banstead council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 8.1% in Meadvale & St John's to 17.1% in Horley Central & South — a gap of 9 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

Make the Harlequin’s remaining decisions clear

The theatre is still closed and construction depends on price and permissions.

Earlier opening expectations should not be treated as current commitments.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £1,640 a month (August 2026) in Reigate and Banstead council area. This is £181 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 7.2% in Nork to 27.8% in Redhill East — a gap of 20.7 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

Shape the new park around everyday local use

The Tanyard Meadows proposal includes sport, play and green space.

Residents can influence a facility intended for a growing community.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

17.7% of people in Reigate and Banstead council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 11.1% in Redhill East to 25.9% in Lower Kingswood, Tadworth & Walton — a gap of 14.7 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 Reigate and Banstead 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 7.7% in Reigate to 16.8% in Horley Central & South — a gap of 9.1 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

Avoid a longer gap in Horley’s community activities

Contractor procurement has delayed the refurbishment start.

Users need a workable programme through any closure.

Evidence