Jordan Beech

Council

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

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.

Council

Budget Meeting, Council - Tuesday, 4 February 2025 10.00 am

The Council voted to adopt its budget for 2025/26, increasing Council Tax by the maximum permitted 4.99% and making £66 million in savings. The Council also noted the Memorandum of Understanding between Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Partnership and approved the revised Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference.

Council

Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 8 January 2025 10.00 am

Surrey Council agreed to respond to the Government's request to participate in a joint devolution and local government reorganisation programme. This acceptance will likely mean that the 2025 County Council elections will be postponed. The Council also noted that the decision to respond to the government's letter was an executive decision for the Leader of the Council to make.

Council

Council - Tuesday, 10 December 2024 10.00 am

The Council voted to approve the scheme for admitting students to schools in 2026. It also agreed to close the Bagshot Community Recycling Centre, and to extend the opening hours of the Camberley Community Recycling Centre. It voted to adopt the reports from the Cabinet meetings that took place on 29 October and 26 November 2024, approved a motion on climate change and net zero targets, and referred motions on inheritance tax, farming and the rural economy, and the preventative approach to children's services to the Cabinet. A motion to allow parents to attend SEND panels was also referred to the Cabinet.