The Surrey County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including local government reorganisation, budget matters, and environmental concerns. Councillors approved changes to cabinet portfolios and committee appointments, and also voted to approve amendments to the council's constitution. A motion regarding the Planning and Infrastructure Bill was also passed.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of the Council, addressed the ongoing reorganisation of local government in Surrey, reiterating that the council had made a recommendation to the government based on evidence and experience. He stressed the importance of ensuring that core services remain strong during the transition and that the new councils are set up for success.

The leader defended the council's recommendation to government that two new unitary councils be created in Surrey, rather than three, stating that:

When you include detailed understanding of the cost of disaggregation, it is clear that it is only the two unitary model that can deliver ongoing financial savings.

He added that the government consultation on Surrey's reorganisation was open and encouraged as many people as possible with an interest in Surrey to take part.

Catherine Powell, Residents' Association and Independent Group Leader, raised concerns about the speed of the consultation and the lack of a resident-friendly template. She also expressed her belief that the two unitary proposal sets the West up to fail because of debt.

Paul Follows, Liberal Democrats Group Leader, criticised the county council for spending public money on what he described as one-sided propaganda campaigning on the subject, instead of informing residents on the substance of both bids.

Robert King, a councillor for Runnymede, expressed concern that employees of Surrey County Council have been encouraged to fill out the survey on the grounds of supporting the two unitary option.

Jonathan Essex, The Green Party Group Leader, asked about the latest negotiations with the government regarding Woking's council debt and the expected financial impact of the fairer funding review here in Surrey.

Budget and Finance

The council discussed various financial matters, including the 2024/25 financial outturn report and the 2025/26 budget. The Leader of the Council noted that the formulas in the Fair Funding Review are designed to provide additional funding for county councils, but that council tax equalisation is going to create a black hole for this council in the region of £30-50 million per year.

The council approved the School Organisation Plan 2025, which aims to ensure sufficient high-quality school places for pupils in Surrey.

Environment and Planning

The council discussed a motion regarding the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament. Jonathan Essex proposed the motion, expressing concerns that Section 3 of the bill would damage efforts to protect and recover Surrey's nature. He stated that the bill dismantles key safeguards that have protected nature for decades, including removing key principles of environmental governance from the existing planning system.

Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment, proposed amendments to the motion, which were accepted. The amended motion was then passed unanimously. The motion requests that the Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and relevant Secretaries of State, calling for the withdrawal of Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and to write to all of Surrey's MPs, asking them to oppose Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and, should these remain in the Bill, to vote against it at final reading.

Amendments to the Constitution

The council voted to approve amendments to the constitution, including the deletion of paragraphs 6.6d and 6.6e of the Appeals and Representation Panel Terms of Reference, and approval of the revised Financial Regulations as set out in Annex A of the agenda.

The amendments to the Appeals and Representations Panel's Terms of Reference were requested in order to bring the council's arrangements for appeals in relation to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service disciplinary matters and pensions into line with national legislation and best practice.

The council's Financial Regulations were last updated in 2023. A review was carried out to ensure that they remain appropriate and represent current practices and policies, and the proposed amendments reflect the outcome of this review.

Other Matters

• The council noted changes to cabinet portfolios and committee appointments, including Jonathan Hulley's appointment as the new Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, and Saj Hussain's appointment as a new Select Committee Task Group Lead / Vice-Chair for the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee.
• The Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025 was reviewed, highlighting areas of impact and good practice.
• The Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2024/25 was noted, outlining the work undertaken by the committee during the period June 2024 to May 2025.
• Members engaged in a lengthy question and answer session, addressing various concerns and seeking clarification on different issues.
• A statement was made by Hugh McKinton regarding the withdrawal of the sale of Grafton Stable, and the area being passed to Surrey County Council’s countryside team to be managed as a green space open to the public.
• A motion from Eber Kington regarding the role of members in holding the Cabinet to account was not passed.