Fiona Davidson

Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee - Wednesday, 16 July 2025 10.00 am

The Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee met to discuss several key issues, including progress in additional needs and disabilities support, the service's response to a recent Ofsted inspection, and performance overview reports. Councillors agreed to endorse recommendations to Cabinet regarding additional funding and staffing for SEND services, and also scrutinised Ofsted reports on council-run children's homes.

Council - Tuesday, 8 July 2025 10.00 am

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.

AGM, Council - Tuesday, 20 May 2025 10.00 am

At the annual meeting of Surrey County Council, Councillor Tim Hall was elected as the new Chair, and Councillor Bernie Muir was elected as Vice-Chair. Councillor Tim Oliver OBE was re-elected as Leader of the Council for a four-year term. The council also discussed local government reorganisation, councillor absences, committee appointments, and various reports, including the officer code of conduct and the code of corporate governance.

Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 7 May 2025 10.00 am

At an extraordinary meeting, Surrey County Council voted to note a report on devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR), paving the way for the cabinet to decide whether to submit a final plan to the government. The final plan recommends a two unitary council model divided into east and west geographies. This model aims to unlock further devolution, streamline operations, enhance service delivery and unlock financial efficiencies.

Council - Tuesday, 18 March 2025 10.00 am

The meeting began with a discussion of the future of local government in Surrey, with Councillor Tim Oliver, the Leader of the Council, and Councillor Catherine Powell, the Leader of the Opposition, outlining their differing perspectives. Councillor Oliver strongly advocated for the creation of two new Unitary Councils for Surrey, arguing that it would bring greater clarity, efficiency, and financial savings. Councillor Powell favoured three Unitary Councils, believing that it would deliver more localism and better reflect existing collaborations between boroughs. The meeting also touched on the growing debt issues in Woking and Spellthorne, prompting calls for government intervention. The Council then voted to submit its interim proposal on Local Government Reorganisation to the government.