Agenda and decisions
PDF 200 KBVenue: Surrey County Council, Council Chamber, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey ,RH2 8EF
Contact: Huma Younis or Sarah Quinn
Media
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
|
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: |
|
|
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: |
|
|
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
On the 10 January 2025, the Leader wrote to the Minister requesting that Surrey be part of the accelerated track for Local Government Reorganisation. On 5 February 2025, Surrey was invited by government to joint the first tranche of local authorities unlocking devolution to an accelerated timeline. Within this accelerated timescale, Surrey will need to submit an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation by the 21 March 2025, followed by a full proposal on 9 May 2025. This Cabinet report sets out the draft interim plan and asks Cabinet to discuss and agree for the Leader to submit the interim plan to government, in line with the government’s deadline of 21 March 2025.
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the letter received from government on the 5 February 2025 inviting all councils in Surrey to submit an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation by 21 March 2025 and a full proposal by 9 May 2025.
2. That Cabinet approves the Council’s interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey (the interim plan comprises Part A in Annex 6 and SCC authored Part B in Annex 7).
3. That Cabinet agrees that the Leader of Surrey County Council submits the interim plan to Government for the 21 March deadline.
4. That Cabinet notes the District and Borough Councils’ (D&B) authored Part B (Annex 8) and submits this to Government alongside the Council’s Part B for the 21 March deadline.
5. That Cabinet delegates authority to make any final amendments to the interim plan (and other associated information) for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, before submission within the deadline given by the Secretary of State.
6. That Cabinet delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the?Council, to consent to the making of the necessary Regulations to devolve the Land Assembly and Homes England Compulsory Purchase Powers and Adult Skills Fund thereby implementing and giving effect to these aspects which formed part of the County Deal agreed with government in March 2024.
Reasons for Decisions:
Following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper on 16 December 2024, all councils in Surrey have been invited to move forward on an accelerated pathway for local government reorganisation (LGR), paving the way for further devolution for the county. Approving the Council’s interim plan for LGR in Surrey is an important milestone in our ongoing work with the district and borough councils and government to shape Surrey’s future so it remains a uniquely special place where everyone has a great start to life, people live healthy and fulfilling lives, are enabled to achieve their full potential and contribute to their community, and no one is left behind.
Unitary councils are key to unlocking further devolution for Surrey. A County Devolution Deal was put in place with the previous government and implemented by the current government and will bring more powers and decisions closer to communities. To build on the foundations laid by this agreement, unitary councils will make local government in Surrey fit for purpose so we can take the next steps towards more powers, freedoms and flexibilities to benefit Surrey’s residents and businesses.
Based on our assessment, we believe that reorganising the current 12 councils into two new unitary authorities is the best direction for Surrey to unlock devolution, realise improved local government services, create more financially sustainable local government and to lay the foundations for future public service reform. A shortlist of potential geographical configurations being considered for these unitaries has been included. We recognise that there is support for 3 unitaries but we have explained in the SCC ... view the full decision text for item 3. |
|
|
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: |
|
|
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: |