Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
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Contact: Huma Younis or Sarah Quinn
Media
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Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Decision: Apologies for absence were received from Marisa Heath. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Marisa Heath. |
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Declarations of Interest
All Members present are required to declare, at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter:
(i) Any disclosable pecuniary interests and / or (ii) Other interests arising under the Code of Conduct in respect of any item(s) of business being considered at this meeting NOTES:
· Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest · As well as an interest of the Member, this includes any interest, of which the Member is aware, that relates to the Member’s spouse or civil partner (or any person with whom the Member is living as a spouse or civil partner) · Members with a significant personal interest may participate in the discussion and vote on that matter unless that interest could be reasonably regarded as prejudicial. Additional documents: Decision: There were none. Minutes: There were none. |
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Response to the English Devolution White Paper
This report outlines the opportunities arising from the English Devolution White Paper published on 16 December 2024, and the requirements on Surrey County Council set out in a letter sent to the Leader of the Council from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution on the same day (see Annex 1). [In accordance with Standing Order 56.1 (Special Urgency), the Chairman of the Resources and Performance Select Committee has agreed that the decisions on this item cannot reasonably be deferred and therefore it is not subject to call in.] Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet:
1. Agreed that the Leader should respond to the Government as outlined in the letter set out in Annex 2, as amended below:
“A
postponement of the county elections will also allow time to give
consideration in any business case to how we can best manage the
unique, significant financial risk of the level of debt currently
held across the Surrey local government footprint. Any proposals
for local government reorganisation will need to adequately
consider how to ensure the sustainable operation of any new
authority/ies
Reasons for decisions:
The English Devolution White Paper presents an important opportunity for Surrey County Council to bring more expansive and flexible devolved powers and funding into the county for the benefit of residents. As such it is recommended that Cabinet agrees to respond to the Minister’s letter (Annex 1) requesting the postponement of the 2025 County Council elections to allow the Surrey County Council Leader time to work with district and borough Leaders to develop a proposal for local government reform that will unlock the benefits of further devolution for Surrey.
The function of deciding whether and how to respond to the Minister’s letter of 16 December 2024 is an executive function as set out in the Constitution under Responsibility for Executive Functions (Part 3), the Cabinet has the power to provide formal response to any Government White Paper “…likely to lead to policy changes or have impact upon service not otherwise delegated to officers” (Scheme of Delegation 8.2 (L)).
(In accordance with Standing Order 56.1 (Special Urgency), the Chairman of the Resources and Performance Select Committee has agreed that the decisions on this item cannot reasonably be deferred and therefore it is not subject to call in.) Minutes: The report was introduced by the Leader of the Council, who noted that the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, and the subsequent letter from the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution set a clear direction for two-tier areas to move towards establishing unitary authorities as a means of delivering devolution.
He summarised the timetable set out by the Government, whereby all two-tier authorities were asked to submit interim local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals by March 2025, with final proposals in either May 2025 or Autumn 2025 depending on whether councils were accepted onto an accelerated programme. Councils on the accelerated programme would be expected to introduce shadow unitary authorities in May 2026, which would mean the potential postponement of the May 2025 elections. Any postponement of elections would be a decision for the Government requiring the laying of secondary legislation before Parliament.
The Leader highlighted the importance of ensuring that any proposals were in the best interests of Surrey residents. This would involve considerable work with district and borough councils, as well as partners in the NHS and Surrey Police. Discussions would need to start now if we are to achieve the March deadline. It was recognised that it would be a challenge to find a solution that all partners could agree on. The situation was complicated by the issue of debt in some district and borough councils, and it was proposed that the letter to the Minister would be amended to request that the Government write off the debt of such councils.
He went on to emphasise that the timetable had been set out by Government and was not the council’s choice; however, there was a necessity to engage with the Government and use leverage in order to avoid a unitary solution being imposed. Work would begin to establish a steering group and working groups with the 11 district and borough councils, and officers had already been tasked with drawing up terms of reference for these.
The Leader added that the County Council had been given the opportunity that morning to debate the report at an Extraordinary Meeting, and had voted in favour of writing to the Minister.
The Cabinet expressed their support for the recommendations. Key points raised included:
· The importance of achieving the best deal possible for Surrey. · The inevitability of the introduction of unitary authorities, and the importance of engaging with the Government early in the process in order to maintain some control. · Many residents would appreciate the clarity of dealing with one council for all matters as the current two-tier system could be confusing. · The Government would consult with local residents on any proposals, and local authorities would be expected to support this process. · The collective debt of some district and borough councils, and the reduction in their revenue streams meant that timely action was required. · The opportunity this presented to shape the future of Surrey and ensure that residents are better off in future. · Postponing the May 2025 ... view the full minutes text for item 3/25 |
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no Part 2 items. |
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PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS
To consider whether the item considered under Part 2 of the agenda should be made available to the Press and public. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no Part 2 items. |