Paul Follows

People, Performance and Development Committee - Monday, 7 April 2025 10.30 am

The People, Performance and Development Committee met to discuss updates to the officer code of conduct, career development programmes, voluntary redundancy payments and the council's pay policy. The committee endorsed the updated Officer Code of Conduct, approved changes to the council’s redundancy payments scheme, and approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26, recommending its adoption by the Full Council. They also received an update on the progress of the Career Development programme.

Farnham Board - Friday, 28 March 2025 10.00 am

The Farnham Board met to discuss the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, including updates on town centre improvements, cycle schemes, and the A31 corridor. The board was also scheduled to discuss programme risks and review progress against key milestones. The meeting was scheduled to include updates on various projects and address questions from board members.

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.

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday, 12 March 2025 10.00 am

The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss a range of topics. They decided not to commission reviews of the council's governance and finances. They were satisfied that the actions from the previous audit on tree management have been completed, and accepted the External Auditors' Annual Report 2023/24, including the value for money conclusion. They approved the Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Plan for 2025/26. They noted the progress on Social Value in Procurement, and the updated Code of Corporate Governance. They also noted the decision of statutory officers to continue with the existing Officer Gifts and Hospitality Policy, but to require an annual nil return from senior officers. They agreed to defer approval of a new approach to publishing Members' home addresses on the register of interests, pending further discussion with political groups. Finally, they approved general dispensations for all members relating to Local Government Reorganisation and the approval of budgets and setting of council tax precepts.

People, Performance and Development Committee - Tuesday, 18 February 2025 11.00 am

The People Performance and Development Committee met to discuss a number of staffing matters, including a report on mirroring national pay awards for Surrey County Council staff. They also reviewed feedback from previous meetings, and looked ahead to the subjects that are due to be discussed by future meetings of the committee.