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Good Morning Surrey,
Wednesday is here, and Surrey is juggling half-term plans, household admin and the usual autumn chill. The clocks have gone back, the evenings are darker, and the heating debate is probably settled.
If your child starts secondary school next September, remember applications close Saturday 31 October. Make sure yours is submitted, not just saved. All sorted, or still on the to-do list?
Elsewhere, we've got council updates, household costs and a few reasons to get outdoors before November arrives. As ever, we'll focus on what matters and leave the rest until after breakfast.
In today’s edition
Autumn Budget 2026 and the latest household energy measures.
New planning decision rules coming into effect on 31 October.
East and West Surrey consultations on future council services.
Secondary school application deadlines and half-term activities.
Halloween trails, miniature railways and upcoming firework displays.
A new restaurant in Godalming and local services worth knowing about.
Let’s take a look.
— Prince Khurram
News
Autumn Budget confirms further household energy support
Photo: UK Parliament, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative image; not the 2026 Budget announcement.
The Autumn Budget was delivered on Wednesday 28 October, with measures affecting household electricity costs across England. For Surrey households reviewing their bills as winter approaches, two announcements are particularly relevant.
The electricity VAT cut has been extended until July 2027.
A £100 Household Energy Payment is planned from January 2027.
The payment is expected to cover up to 20 million households in England.
Individual eligibility should be checked against the official rules rather than assumed.
The precise effect on each household will depend on how the measures apply.
National headlines for Surrey
Private renters could receive stronger protection against damp and mould
The Government is consulting on extending Awaab's Law to private rented homes in England. Surrey tenants and landlords can respond until 18 December 2026. The proposed extension is not yet law for private renters.
Planning decisions change from 31 October
Photo: Richard Kelly, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
A change to national planning procedures takes effect on Saturday 31 October, with Elmbridge Borough Council explaining how local applications will be handled.
Householder planning applications will be determined by planning officers under the new arrangements.
Residents will still be able to comment on applications.
The change concerns who makes decisions, rather than removing the opportunity to submit representations.
Anyone following a nearby application should check the council's updated guidance.
If you've been keeping an eye on a neighbour's extension, your comments can still form part of the process.
County Updates
East Surrey Council asks residents to help shape its first five-year strategy
Residents are being invited to comment on the priorities of the future East Surrey Council. The consultation concerns the proposed 2027–2032 strategy, giving people an opportunity to influence its direction before it is finalised.
Consultation opened on 19 October.
Responses close on 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm.
The strategy covers the council's initial five-year planning period.
The final strategy has not yet been adopted.
West Surrey Council consultation continues
Residents in the western part of the county can also help shape their new council's future priorities. The consultation remains open until 15 November, with opportunities to participate online and in person.
Online responses close at 11.59pm on 15 November.
A consultation event is scheduled at Guildford Spectrum on Thursday 29 October, 9.30am–3.30pm.
Another opportunity is planned at The Hive on 6 November, 11am–2pm.
Approval of the proposed strategy is expected in February 2027.
There is still time to have a say before the paperwork becomes policy.
Camberley pump track proposal opens for public comment
Surrey Heath Borough Council is asking residents for their views on a proposed pump track in Camberley. Funding has been identified conditionally, but the project has not yet received final approval.
Consultation runs from 22 October to 3 December.
The proposal concerns a new cycling and wheeled-sports facility.
£300,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding has been reserved conditionally.
The consultation is intended to inform what happens next.
Woodstock Lane housing appeal moves towards January inquiry
Elmbridge Borough Council has confirmed it will no longer defend its refusal of the Woodstock Lane development in North Long Ditton. The planning appeal will nevertheless continue through the formal process.
The council announced its position on 22 October.
A public inquiry is scheduled for January 2027.
The Planning Inspectorate will determine the appeal.
No planning permission has been granted as a result of the council's decision.
Community Digest
Secondary school applications close this Saturday
Parents and carers applying for a Surrey secondary school place for September 2027 should note that applications close on Saturday 31 October 2026. With the deadline falling during half-term, it is worth checking that your application has been properly submitted rather than left as a draft. The council's admissions pages explain the process and requirements.
Surrey's extended autumn half-term continues
Surrey maintained schools are in their two-week autumn half-term period, running from 19 to 30 October. For families arranging childcare or activities, there are still a few days left before the normal school routine resumes. Check your individual school's calendar for its exact arrangements, particularly where academy dates differ.
Borrow household equipment instead of buying it
Surrey's Libraries of Things offer opportunities to borrow household equipment that might otherwise spend most of its life sitting in a cupboard. Arrangements differ between local schemes, so check what is available, where collection takes place and whether borrowing charges apply before making the journey.
Repair cafés offer an alternative to throwing things away
Volunteer repair cafés across Surrey help residents find out whether everyday household items can be repaired. Sessions are generally organised locally, often monthly, with dates and arrangements varying between groups. Volunteer help may be free, although parts or donations can be involved. Check with the organiser before bringing anything particularly bulky.
Message from Barucci Bespoke London
Events
Family & Kids
Pumpkin Spotter Trail and Decorated Rooms | 28 October–1 November Info/Tickets Location: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon
Description: A seasonal pumpkin trail and decorated rooms for a half-term visit. Listed hours are 10am–4pm, giving families something to do before the winter afternoons settle in.
Price: Trail free; normal property admission applies.
The Great Mystery Children's Trail | 28 October–1 November Info/Tickets
Location: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham
Description: Children can follow a mystery trail around the grounds between 10am and 3.30pm. Trail sheets are available from reception without advance booking.
Price: £3.50 per participant, plus normal admission where applicable.
Wizards and Witches Week | 28 October–1 November Info/Tickets
Location: Bocketts Farm, Fetcham
Description: Halloween-themed farm activities continue through the remaining half-term days. Usual admission applies, with some activities carrying additional charges.
Price: Standard admission. Selected extras include face painting at £7.50, pony rides at £3 and tractor rides at £2.
Halloween Spooktacular Miniature Railway | 31 October–1 November Info/Tickets
Location: Great Cockcrow Railway, Chertsey
Description: A Halloween miniature railway experience on Saturday and Sunday, from 4.30pm to 8pm. The ticket office is listed as closing at 7.45pm, with payment on the day.
Price: £7 per rider.
Halloween Headscratcher | 28 October–1 November Info/Tickets
Location: Godalming
Description: A Halloween-themed puzzle activity continuing through the remaining half-term days. A useful choice for families who prefer a local outing without committing to a whole day.
Price: Free.
Special Events
Epsom Fireworks and Funfair | Saturday 7 November Info/Tickets Location: Epsom
Description: A firework evening with a funfair, listed from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. The lower-noise display is scheduled for 6.30pm, followed by the main display at 7.30pm. Fairground rides are charged separately.
Price: Ticket prices vary. A £2.50 booking fee applies per order; children aged four and under are listed as free with a ticket.
Firework Fiesta | Saturday 7 November Info/Tickets
Location: Guildford
Description: Gates open at 5pm, with music from 6pm and the fireworks scheduled for 8.30pm. Worth checking travel arrangements in advance, particularly when everyone decides to leave at roughly the same moment.
Price: Adults £17 through 6 November, increasing to £20 on the day. Under-16s free when accompanied by an adult.
Bonfire Night | Saturday 7 November Info/Tickets
Location: Lightwater
Description: A traditional community bonfire and fireworks evening. Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire is scheduled for 7pm and fireworks follow at 7.30pm.
Price: Check current ticket options with the organiser.
Refugee Histories Exhibition | Saturday 7 November Info/Tickets
Location: Dorking Museum, Dorking
Description: Part of the Being Human Festival, this exhibition explores stories of refugee support during the Second World War. The museum event is listed for 10am–4pm. Check the programme for booking requirements.
Price: Free.
Eat and Drink
Restaurant of the Week | Lavika Restaurant
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Description:
Godalming has a new name on its dining scene, with Lavika reportedly open since early October. Worth a look if you fancy somewhere different without heading into Guildford or London.
Menus, prices and signature dishes are still unconfirmed, so we'll spare you the imaginary tasting notes. Check the latest details and opening hours directly before booking, particularly while the restaurant finds its feet. Better that than arriving hungry to a locked door.
Directory
Swift Stitch
Location: Guildford
Description: A local alterations service for clothing repairs and adjustments. Contact the business for current turnaround times and a quotation before dropping anything off.
Click here: To view the service and enquire about clothing repairs
Crown Alterations
Location: Woking
Description: Clothing alterations and tailoring services at Victoria Place. Worth checking current opening hours and availability, particularly if you need an outfit adjusted before a particular date.
Click here: To see store contact information and arrange an enquiry
Churchill Dry Cleaners
Location: Reigate
Description: Dry cleaning and garment-care services for clothes that require a little more attention than the usual washing machine programme. Contact the business for current prices and turnaround times.
Click here: To view cleaning services and contact the business
And Finally
There is something distinctly Surrey about autumn half-term. One minute you're organising a pleasant walk among the changing leaves, and the next you're negotiating coats, muddy shoes and whether anyone actually wants to go outside.
Still, an afternoon in the fresh air rarely feels wasted once you're back home with the kettle on.
And if you've already sorted the school paperwork, well, that's practically a holiday in itself.
Thank you for reading. let’s chat on Friday.
