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Cabinet - Tuesday, 26 May 2026 2.00 pm
May 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet of Surrey County Council met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, to discuss a range of property disposals, the ongoing local government reorganisation, and the council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. Key decisions included the approval of the disposal of three council-owned properties, noting the progress of the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation programme, and approving the council's financial outturn, which showed a £1.2 million underspend.
Disposal of Council Properties
The Cabinet formally declared three council-owned assets surplus to operational requirements and approved their disposal. These were:
- West Park & Palmers Farm, West Park Road, Lingfield, RH7 6HT: This 3.36-acre site, comprising Victorian stables, a former dairy, agricultural buildings, and a dilapidated bungalow, was approved for sale by auction. Authority was delegated to officers to finalise the transaction, including agreeing specific covenants on the sale of assets. The sale is conditional upon the surrender of a headlease held by Halsey Garton Residential Ltd (HGR) over West Park Farmhouse.
- Land at Callow Hill, Virginia Water: An option agreement was approved for a strip of land associated with a former landfill site. This land is not considered to have any meaningful current use and the agreement provides an opportunity for a capital receipt now, with potential for a significant future receipt. Authority was delegated to officers to finalise the transaction.
- Former Beechcroft Nursery, 127 Reigate Road, Ewell, KT17 3DE: Following an open marketing campaign, Cabinet approved the freehold sale of this former nursery site, which includes a vacant residential property and garden nursery buildings. The sale is subject to the price and conditions noted in the Part 2 report, with authority delegated to officers to finalise the transaction.
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Update
Cabinet noted the latest developments in Surrey's Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (D&LGR) programme. The final Implementation Plan had been considered by the Joint Committees and presented to the Shadow Authorities for approval. This programme is crucial as Surrey transitions to two new unitary authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, by April 2027. The update also covered progress towards securing a Foundation Strategic Authority for Surrey, which is a necessary step for potential mayoral devolution.
2025/26 Financial Outturn Report
The Cabinet noted the council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, which showed a £1.2 million underspend against the revenue budget. This positive position was attributed to effective financial management and the delivery of efficiencies, exceeding targets by over £5 million. Cabinet approved the contribution of the £1.2 million surplus to the Budget Equalisation Reserve to safeguard against future unforeseen pressures. Additionally, the creation of an earmarked reserve for Public Health, with an opening balance of £0.3 million, was approved.
Regarding the capital programme, Cabinet noted the outturn position and approved capital carry-forwards of £7.1 million into the 2026/27 capital programme. The report also detailed the council's borrowing and investment position, confirming adherence to all prudential indicators and authorised limits. The High Needs Block deficit was also discussed, with a significant portion expected to be covered by a government stability grant.
Cabinet Member of the Month
Councillor Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, presented his update, reflecting on his tenure and highlighting key achievements. He spoke about the transformation of Surrey's libraries, making them the busiest in the country, and the success of the Your Fund Surrey
initiative, which has provided significant funding for community-led projects. He also touched upon the work of the Public Health team and the ongoing efforts to support the voluntary and charity sector, particularly in light of local government reorganisation. The final Your Fund Surrey Councillor Community Fund
was announced, providing £10,000 per member for community projects.
Delegated Decisions
Cabinet noted the delegated decisions taken by the Leader, Cabinet Members, and the Strategic Investment Board since the last Cabinet meeting. These included the disposal of Surrey Property Group Limited's investment asset at Unit 1, Park Spring Road, Barnsley, and the disposal of Clarendon House in Dorking.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Option Agreement Relating To Land At Callow Hill, Virginia Water
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey Cabinet approved recommendations on 26/05/2026. The decision relates to an option agreement for land at Callow Hill, Virginia Water.
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Option Agreement Relating To Land At Callow Hill, Virginia Water
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey County Council Cabinet approved recommendations on 26/05/2026. The council declared the land at Callow Hill, Virginia Water surplus to operational requirements and approved the terms of an option agreement for its freehold disposal. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources to finalise the transaction and enter into associated legal agreements.
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Disposal Of Buildings At West Park & Palmers Farm, West Park Road, Lingfield, RH7 6HT
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the disposal of buildings at West Park & Palmers Farm on 26/05/2026. The decision is subject to call-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee.
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Disposal Of Former Beechcroft Nursery, 127 Reigate Road, Ewell, KT17 3DE
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the freehold sale of Beechcroft Nursery. The decision was made on 26/05/2026. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources to finalise the transaction and enter into associated legal agreements.
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Disposal Of Buildings At West Park & Palmers Farm, West Park Road, Lingfield, RH7 6HT
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the recommendations for the disposal of buildings at West Park & Palmers Farm. This decision was made on 26/05/2026. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Land and Property, to finalise the transaction and enter into associated legal agreements.
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2025/26 FINANCIAL OUTTURN REPORT
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey County Council Cabinet approved the 2025/26 financial outturn report on 26/05/2026. The council recorded a £1.2m underspend against the revenue budget and approved capital carry-forwards of £7.1m into the 2026/27 capital programme. The Cabinet also approved the transfer of the £1.2m net underspend to the Budget Equalisation Reserve and the creation of a Public Health Reserve.
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Devolution And Local Government Reorganisation Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved recommendations on 26/05/2026 regarding the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation update. The Cabinet noted the latest developments of Surrey's Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation programme and the final Implementation Plan considered by the Joint Committees.
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