Agenda and draft minutes
PDF 236 KBVenue: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8EF
Contact: Amelia Christopher Email: amelia.christopher@surreycc.gov.uk
Media
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chair to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Amanda Boote, Chris Farr (remote), Will Forster, Trefor Hogg (remote), David Lewis (Camberley West), Julia McShane, Carla Morson, Rebecca Paul, Mark Sugden (remote), Ashley Tilling (remote).
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 8 October 2024. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 8 October 2024 were submitted, confirmed and signed.
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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: Minutes: There were none.
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Signing of the Armed Forces Covenant This morning (10 December) Colonel Kenny from the British Army visited the Council Chamber in Woodhatch Place to co-sign the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is to formalise a commitment to support and respect the members of the Armed Forces community. This includes serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The covenant aims to ensure that they are treated fairly and receive the support they need in recognition of the sacrifices they make for the nation. Act of Remembrance We recently paid our respects in a well-attended Act of Remembrance, with over 150 participants, including a Deputy Lieutenant for His Majesty The King, military personnel, veterans, members of the Royal British Legion, other invited guests, and both past and present Members and staff. Call for Volunteers We are calling for more nominations for the Community Champions Event. Volunteers and charity workers are the backbone of our community, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether it is helping at events, supporting local initiatives, or aiding those in need, they each make a significant impact. If you know someone who embodies the spirit of giving back to the community, please submit your nominations by 31 December. Season of Celebrations We have had a wonderful season of celebrations, showcasing the vibrant and diverse spirit of our community. Here are some highlights: The First Citizenship Ceremonies at Woodhatch Place: We were honoured to welcome new citizens in a heartfelt ceremony, marking their official membership in our community. The SFRS Honours & Awards Evening: This event celebrated the bravery and dedication of our Surrey Fire and Rescue Service personnel, recognising their outstanding contributions and service. The Woking Sea Cadets AGM & Annual Awards: A proud moment for our young cadets, where their achievements and commitment to maritime skills and community service were acknowledged. The Artventure Trust 4th Anniversary Celebration: We celebrated four years of incredible work by the Artventure Trust, which supports adults with learning disabilities through creative arts. The Woking Diwali Parade: A vibrant and joyous celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, bringing together people from all walks of life to enjoy the cultural festivities. The Dashain and Tihar Festival: These important Nepalese festivals were celebrated with great enthusiasm, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of our Nepalese community. The Community Foundation Celebration Event: This event recognised the invaluable contributions of local charities and community groups, celebrating their efforts in making a positive impact. SCC’s Stars in Surrey Awards (3rd Year): Our annual awards ceremony honoured the exceptional achievements and dedication of individuals and teams within Surrey County Council, celebrating their hard work and commitment. These events have truly highlighted the strength and unity of our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making these celebrations memorable. A Time for Reflection While this is a season of celebrations, it is also a time of worry and sadness for many. As we enjoy the festivities, let us remember those facing difficult times. The holiday season can be challenging ... view the full agenda text for item 81/24 Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair:
· Noted that prior to the meeting the Council witnessed the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. · Noted that his full announcements could be found in the agenda.
Bernie Muir and Harry Boparai arrived at 10.04 am.
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The Leader to make a statement.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions and/or make comments.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader of the Council made a detailed statement. A copy of the statement is attached as Appendix A.
Members raised the following topics:
· Wished all a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025. · Asked what change Surrey would face regarding local government reorganisation, whether he had met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. · Asked whether the Leader could confirm that the Surrey local elections would proceed in May 2025 as planned. · Noted that the draft budget highlights that vulnerable groups in Surrey would be most affected, the Council continued to leave them behind. · Stressed that the Council must work efficiently and effectively with partners, funding the necessities, supporting early intervention and prevention to prevent further escalation of demand on statutory services. · Noted that despite facing similar challenges, the narrative by officers at the Adults and Health Select Committee was on working in partnership, embracing technology, enabling and empowering people to live their best lives; whilst the narrative at the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee was on Surrey’s statutory responsibilities. · Noted that having met a group of local secondary school pupils and parents suffering from anxiety, parents struggled to keep their children alive; was working on practical local support ideas. · Welcomed the increased focus on early intervention and prevention, however much of that was signposting, no additional funding was going to charities or voluntary sector organisations.
Ayesha Azad arrived at 10.21 am.
· Noted that reception teachers faced difficulties around Covid-19 babies and developmental delays and behavioural challenges. · Noted that service users valued the Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) service; questioned the financial sustainability of its expansion and if it should be a priority when the Council removed some non-statutory transport. · Noted that the removal of the Local Committees was a mistake, services with the districts and boroughs needed to be properly integrated. · Noted the need to move to a mindset of continuous improvement, not transformation, errors must be reviewed and changes made quickly.
Maureen Attewell and Sinead Mooney arrived at 10.23 am.
· Called for the Council to reset how it works with the voluntary, community and faith sector, they needed buildings and control over those. · Noted that some services would be lost through the Council’s strategy of taking control of Surrey-owned buildings being used successfully for Youth Services. · Commended the projects funded through Your Fund Surrey, however in the financially challenging times, capital spend must focus on the necessities. · Welcomed the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, had seen first-hand the need to support serving armed forces personnel, veterans and their family. · Had taken part in a recent select committee call-in process, which voted to refer the decision and the questions regarding the lack of evidence in decision-making back to the Cabinet, where it was only considered briefly. · Noted that good decision-making must be evidence-based and original motions should be debated by all Members at Council meetings. · Noted that the leaders of Surrey’s councils had met and ... view the full minutes text for item 82/24 |
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APPROVAL OF COUNTY COUNCILLOR ABSENCE
The purpose of this report is to request that the County Council considers whether to agree that County Councillor Mark Sugden be absent from Council meetings by reason of ill health.
Additional documents: Minutes: |
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SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL - ELECTORAL REVIEW: FINAL REPORT
This report provides an update on the conclusion of Surrey County Council’s (SCC) electoral review process, which was conducted by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).
The Council is asked to note the final recommendations, which will determine the names and boundaries of SCC electoral areas (divisions) from the May 2025 local election onwards.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the report.
RESOLVED:
1. Noted the final recommendations of the electoral review process. 2. Recognised the efforts of the cross-party task group in shaping SCC’s response. 3. Noted that the new county division boundaries will come into effect in May 2025.
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APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PERSONS
For the Council to formally note its thanks to the two retiring Independent Persons following the end of their term of office, and to appoint two new Independent Persons for a four-year term. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the report.
RESOLVED:
1. Formally noted its thanks to the two retiring Independent Persons following the end of their term of office. 2. Appointed Belinda Knight and Dean Spears as Independent Members for a four-year term.
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MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME
1. The Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader or the appropriate Member of the Cabinet or the chairman of a committee to answer any questions on any matter relating to the powers and duties of the County Council, or which affects the county.
(Note: Notice of questions in respect of the above item on the agenda must be given in writing, preferably by e-mail, to Democratic Services by 12 noon on Wednesday 4 December 2024).
2. Cabinet Member and Deputy Cabinet Member Briefings on their portfolios.
These will be circulated by email to all Members prior to the County Council meeting, together with the Members’ questions and responses.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions.
Additional documents: Minutes:
Notice of twenty-six questions had been received. The questions and replies were published in the second supplementary agenda (items 9 and 11) on 9 December 2024.
A number of supplementary questions were asked and a summary of the main points is set out below:
(Q1) Mark Sugden asked the Cabinet Member whether funds were being set aside in the draft budget to enable a second weed spray should it be necessary.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth confirmed that there was sufficient budget available for a second weed spray if required.
(Q2) Tim Hall
thanked the Cabinet Member, and various transport
teams for their help regarding matters in his division. He askedhow
Members could engage with the future bus delivery grant and other
money available. The Cabinet Member for Highways,
Transport and Economic Growth noted that the
Council was lucky to receive the amount of money allocated by the
Government for bus improvement, he requested that Members let
himself or the team know about any improvements they would like to
see. He noted that the Council was launching its next generation of
electric vehicle (EV) buses with Falcon Buses, the Government
supported the acceleration of further EV and hydrogen buses and the
Council sought to increase funding. Regarding the £50 million
funded by the Council, the Government was looking to provide
funding and recognised that the Council was leading on
decarbonising its bus network. It was disappointing that the bus
cap would rise to £3 from £2, that would add around
£500 or more to a regular commuter’s journey annually.
Over 75% of bus trips in Surrey were made with the bus
cap. (Q3) Robert Evans OBE asked whether the Cabinet Member could review the form’s wording as it was insensitive to people with disabilities and have a bay outside their home. More appropriate wording would be whether there was any change in their circumstances.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth confirmed that the wording would be reviewed.
(Q4) Catherine Powell noted that if the Multi-Disciplinary Team Panel database was operated by the Council but did not record panel attendees or the information shared at the panel, she asked whether that information was stored elsewhere. Queried that to be transparent and ensure high-quality decision-making, the experts involved and what information they used to make their decisions should be known.
The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning noted that she did not have the details of the operational arrangements regarding the panels but would liaise with officers and would provide a written response.
Jonathan Essex
asked whether
the revenue costs included the business rates
incurred on the empty property and to confirm how much that
was. George Potter asked what the total book value of the sixty sites planned for disposal was.
The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure confirmed that she would provide ... view the full minutes text for item 86/24 |
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STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
Any Member may make a statement at the meeting on a local issue of current or future concern.
(Note: Notice of statements must be given in writing, preferably by e-mail, to Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 9 December 2024).
Additional documents: Minutes: George Potter noted that in November, the Cabinet decided not to proceed with the proposed London Road walking and cycling scheme in Guildford. He commented on the governance around how the decision was made and noted the very brief consideration by the Cabinet of the referral from the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee.
Jonathan Hulley noted Your Fund Surrey’s four-year anniversary and highlighted two recipients of the Small Community Projects Fund. Firstly, Lyne community near Chertsey had benefited from a new community pavilion on the village green. Secondly, White Lodge Centre near Saint Peter's Hospital delivered services and support to children and adults for a range of disabilities, funding helped deliver improvements to their pathways. He thanked the Council’s Community Investment team for its work in allocating the funding.
Trefor Hogg stressed that vacant and abandoned retail properties damaged communities and local economies, there were many small businesses or community organisations that would want to rent such properties if the rent was affordable. He welcomed the Rental Auctions Regulations which came into law on 2 December 2024.
Buddhi Weerasinghe highlighted Spelthorne Litter Pickers, a group of over 1,000 residents who work to keep the community green and clean; they received The King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. He urged Members to honour their contributions and encourage others to join them in building a lasting, cleaner and greener earth for all.
Joanne Sexton noted that
residents in 2021 raised concerns about the safety of Feltham Road.
She had arranged a meeting with residents, officers and Surrey
Police where the road’s history of collision and serious
injuries were acknowledged, it was agreed that action needed to be
taken to protect residents. She commended the officers for their
work in developing a scheme which would improve safety and the
quality of the life of residents. Catherine Powell read out a statement on behalf of a head teacher at a local school, whereby since Unit4/MySurrey’s introduction Surrey schools faced issues and changes created additional work for them. She highlighted the slow or non-existent response from Surrey payroll when issues surfaced. Schools were forced to sign up to the system without consultation, she had requested compensation or removal of the Service Level agreement Charge until the system runs properly.
The Leader
asked the Monitoring Officer to review Standing Order 9.1 of the
Constitution regarding Member statements being put without the
right of reply which was unfair when there are allegations or
comments about Members. The Monitoring Officer urged Members to be
mindful of their comments made about others, to abide by the Code
of Conduct and Nolan Principles; Members could raise Points of
Order. A Member raised a Point of Order under Standing Order 9.1 noting that it clearly stated that Member statements must be on a matter that the Council has powers, the statements made by Members above were in line with that. The Member also noted that a review of the Standing Orders was needed around the Chair’s ability to control ... view the full minutes text for item 87/24 |
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
Item 11 (i)
Catherine Baart (Earlswood and Reigate South) to move under standing order 11 asfollows:
This Council recognises that:
· The UK is committed to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, and by 68% from 1990 levels by 2030. The government's Committee on Climate Change is due to report on the UK's Carbon Budget on 26 February 2025. · The Climate Change Committee has estimated that Local Authorities have powers or influence over roughly a third of emissions in their local areas. · The Local Government Association have estimated that climate action can be three times more cost effective if led by local rather than national government. · Surrey County Council has a target of achieving net zero across the county of Surrey by 2050, in line with the climate science as set out in the Surrey Climate Change Strategy. · Significant additional financial resources are required to achieve these targets, in collaboration with local public, private and third sector partners. · The Leader confirmed at the last full Council meeting that Surrey County Council has now formed strategic relationships with the University of Surrey, Royal Holloway and University of the Creative Arts.
This Council resolves to:
I. Commission a report for the council’s Cabinet that identifies the additional finance, powers and partnership arrangements needed to deliver our county-wide 2050 climate target; and II. Use this report to support a request to the Secretary of State that Surrey County Council and all local authorities are given statutory duties, powers and funding to enable them to achieve net zero in line with the UK's legal commitment on carbon emissions.
Item 11 (ii)
Jonathan Essex (Redhill East) to move under standing order 11 asfollows:
This Council agrees that:
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair noted that under Standing Order 11.5, in consultation with Group Leaders he would reorder the motions and take the motion standing in the name of Jonathan Essex (11ii) last.
Item 11 (i)
Under Standing Order 12.3 the Council agreed to debate this motion.
Under Standing Order 20.3 (a) Catherine Baart (Earlswood and Reigate South) moved a proposed alteration to the original motion standing in her own name, which had been published in the second supplementary agenda on 9 December 2024.
The updated proposed alteration to the motion was as follows (with additional words in bold/underlined and deletions crossed through):
This Council recognises that:
· The UK is committed to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, and by 68% from 1990 levels by 2030. The government's Committee on Climate Change is due to report on the UK's Carbon Budget on 26 February 2025. · The Climate Change Committee has estimated that Local Authorities have powers or influence over roughly a third of emissions in their local areas. · The Local Government Association have estimated that climate action can be three times more cost effective if led by local rather than national government. · Surrey County Council has a target of achieving net zero across the county of Surrey by 2050, in line with the climate science as set out in the Surrey Climate Change Strategy. · Significant additional financial resources are required to achieve these targets, in collaboration with local public, private and third sector partners. · The Leader confirmed at the last full Council meeting that Surrey County Council has now formed strategic relationships with the University of Surrey, Royal Holloway and University of the Creative Arts.
This Council resolves to:
I.
II. Use this report to support a request to the Secretary of State that Surrey County Council and all local authorities are given statutory duties, powers and funding to enable them to achieve net zero in line with the UK's legal commitment on carbon emissions.
Under Standing Order 20.3, the proposed alteration to the original motion was put to the vote and Council agreed to the proposed alteration and it was therefore open for debate.
Catherine Baart made the following points:
· Noted that the Council's confidence in being able to meet its net zero targets was faltering, climate change threatened the Council’s ambitions to shape places, keep people safe, and create conditions for wellbeing and prosperity. · Noted that the Council was just on target for its 2030 and 2050 net zero goals thanks to officers’ and Members’ hard work. · Noted that the Council had achieved simple tasks such as putting LEDs in streetlights, yet its solar energy plans faced connectivity and financial problems, and meaningful reductions in transport emissions had not been made. · Highlighted the studies by the Local Government Association that councils have a direct impact on more than one ... view the full minutes text for item 88/24 |
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 29 October 2024 and 26 November 2024.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the Cabinet meetings held on 29 October 2024 and 26 November 2024.
Recommendations on Policy Framework Documents:
26 November 2024:
A. Coordinated Admissions Scheme for September 2026
RESOLVED:
That Council approved the coordinated admissions scheme that will apply to all applicants and schools for 2026.
Reports for Information/Discussion:
29 October 2024:
B. Your Fund Surrey Application - New Rowledge Village Hall Project, Farnham C. London Road Guildford Active Travel Scheme - Independent Technical Assessment of Section 1 for Consideration to Proceed
26 November 2024:
D. Reports from Select Committees, Task Groups and Other Committees of the Council E. Bagshot Community Recycling Centre F. 2025/26 Draft Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2029/30 G. Equity in Education – No Learner Left Behind – Surrey's Lifetime of Learning Strategy H. Right Homes, Right Support: Older People’s Residential and Nursing Care Delivery Strategy
I. Quarterly Report on Decisions Taken Under Special Urgency Arrangements: 1 October 2024 - 2 December 2024
RESOLVED:
1. Noted that there had been no urgent decisions since the last Cabinet report to Council. 2. Adopted the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 29 October 2024 and 26 November 2024.
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MINUTES OF CABINET MEETINGS
Any matters within the minutes of the Cabinet’s meetings, and not otherwise brought to the Council’s attention in the Cabinet’s report, may be the subject of questions and statements by Members upon notice being given to Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 9 December 2024.
(Note: 26 November 2024 Cabinet minutes to follow)
Additional documents: Minutes: No notification had been received by the deadline from Members wishing to raise a question or make a statement on any matters in the minutes.
The Chair wished Members and their families a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with joy, peace, and good health!
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