Epsom and Ewell borough councillors have voted to add more paid-for services as the council to becomes “more enterprising”, in response to dwindling government support.

The council faces a projected budget shortfall of £600,000 by 2020/21, after the government decided to stop providing Revenue Support Grant.

A report by council officers suggested using the situation to make “fundamental changes” to the way the authority operates.

Councillor Eber Kington, chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee that voted the proposals through, said: “Despite the loss of government grant and other financial pressures we have not cut any service to our residents.

“However, going forward, we not only have to ensure that those services are cost effective but must also look to provide additional paid-for services that are of a high quality and reflect the changing needs of our residents.”

Now the council could offer services such as grounds maintenance, regulatory advice to businesses, advertising space, and increasing private use of parks and council-owned venues.

This is in addition to a property company the council set up earlier in the year.

Cllr Kington said: “The benefits of pursuing a more commercial approach are not purely financial. Becoming a more commercially focused organisation means putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, and doing so in a financially sustainable way.

“It is about actively encouraging creative thinking to develop more effective ways to deliver services that residents, businesses and visitors need and want.”