Elmbridge Borough Council met on Wednesday 1 October 2025, and agreed to adopt a revised Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Policy, and noted changes to the political composition of the council and its committees following the formation of a new political group. Councillors also discussed migrant accommodation, the Elm Grove bowling green, and minimum requirements for Post Office branches.

Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Policy

The Licensing Committee recommended that the Council adopt a revised Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Policy, to be implemented from 1 January 2026. The policy was revised following an eight-week consultation with key stakeholders, including taxi drivers, support groups, and the public. The consultation was promoted through the council's website, social media, and direct contact with stakeholders.

A key amendment to the policy is that, from January 2026, the council will not issue new licenses or renew existing licenses for petrol fuelled vehicles (including hybrids) that do not meet the Euro 6 emissions standard¹. However, individuals who held a vehicle license for a Euro 6 diesel vehicle at 31 December 2025, can continue to renew their license for the same vehicle after this date.

The Licensing Committee also recommended that minor amendments to the policy can be made during the policy lifecycle, as agreed by the Chair of the Licensing Committee and the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager. Councillor Neil Houston is the Chair of the Licensing Committee.

Changes to Committee Proportionality

Following notification of the formation of a new political group, the Elmbridge Independents Political Group, the council agreed to a recalculation of seats across its committees. The Formal update following the Formation of a new Political Group report noted that the political composition of the council is now:

• Liberal Democrats: 20
• Residents' Associations: 12
• Conservative: 10
• Elmbridge Independents: 3
• Hinchley Wood Residents' Association: 2
• Ungrouped Member: 1

The council agreed to establish a 16-seat Planning Committee, a 15-seat Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a 15-seat Licensing Committee, and an 8-seat Audit and Standards Committee for the remainder of the municipal year. There will be no change to the size or political group composition of the previously established 6-seat Appointments Sub-Committee and 6-seat Appeals Sub-Committee.

There will be no change to the size of the East and North Area Planning Sub-Committees, which remain at 10 seats. However, one seat on each sub-committee will be allocated to a relevant Elmbridge Independents Political Group Member. The previous decision to extend a seat to the ungrouped members on the East and North Area Planning Sub-Committees was rescinded, as there are no longer any ungrouped members within the ward catchment areas for these sub-committees. There is no change to the size or political composition of the South Area Planning Sub-Committee.

There is no change to the Walton-on-Thames Local Spending Board, as this is established on the basis of the members who represent those wards on the board.

Migrant Accommodation

Councillor John Cope proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Andrew Burley, requesting that the Chief Executive write to the Home Secretary asking for open consultation before Elmbridge hotels are used for migrant accommodation. The motion also requested that the Chief Executive share regular updates, including legal advice, with council group leaders on injunctions and measures available to prevent the use of Elmbridge hotels for migrant accommodation when in the best interests of residents.

The motion noted that Conservative-led Epping Forest Council secured an injunction preventing hotels from being used for migrant accommodation, and that the emergency use of hotels for migrants fell from 400 in September 2023 to 213 in June 2024.

Elm Grove

Councillor Gregor Macgregor proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Kevin Whincup, supporting the residents of Walton in rejecting the council's plan to sell the Walton Bowls Green without finding an alternative site or providing any support with the costs they are forcing on the century-old club. The motion also expressed concern that consideration is being given to closing a second Bowls Club in the borough, with development plans drafted for the Esher Civic Centre that involve an end to the Esher Bowls Club.

Minimum Post Office Branch Requirement

Councillor Corinne Sterry proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Colin McFarlane, requesting that the Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State formally to express the council's opposition to ending the minimum Post Office branch requirement, unless replaced with a binding access criteria guaranteeing a full-service Post Office within reasonable travel time. The motion also encouraged residents, using all council communication channels, to respond to the consultation.

The motion noted that Labour's Green Paper proposes ending the minimum Post Office branch requirement, making Post Office closures more likely, and that communities across Elmbridge rely on Post Offices for banking, parcels, and face-to-face services, which remain especially vital for older residents and small businesses.