Agenda and draft minutes
PDF 196 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 Jordan Beech, Chris Farr, Will Forster, John Furey, David Lewis (Camberley West), Rebecca Paul, Mark Sugden (remote).
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To confirm the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 10 December 2024 and 8 January 2025 (Extraordinary).
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meetings of the County Council held on 10 December 2024 and 8 January 2025 (Extraordinary) 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: Rachael Lake BEM declared a non-pecuniary interest noting that her son works for Surrey County Council.
Keith Witham declared a non-pecuniary interest noting that his daughter works for Surrey County Council in the Finance department.
Bernie Muir declared a non-pecuniary interest noting that her son works for Surrey Choices.
Steve Bax declared a non-pecuniary interest noting that his wife works for a local authority school in Surrey.
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome Following the Extraordinary Council meeting in January, I welcome you all to our first scheduled Council meeting of 2025. Despite January often being associated with doom and gloom, it has been a very eventful and positive start to the year.
King’s New Year Honours List Surrey has seen a remarkable number of its residents recognised in the King's New Year Honours List for 2025. The volume of awards highlights the county's strong commitment to excellence and public service, showcasing the impact of its residents on both local and national levels.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honourees. Your dedication and contributions to various fields have made a significant impact, and we thank you for your service. It is truly inspiring to see so many people from Surrey being honoured for their hard work and dedication.
You can find a full list of all award winners via The Gazette Official Public Record.
Chair’s Visits
· Surrey’s Fostering Event: I attended Surrey’s Fostering Annual Winter Event, it was a privilege to celebrate the enormous contribution our foster carers make to the lives of Surrey's Looked After Children. We recognised carers who have reached specific milestones in their fostering careers and provided an opportunity for them to come together and socialise with other foster carers.
· Installation of Dean of Guildford: I was honoured to attend the installation and welcome of the Dean of Guildford, The Venerable Bob Cooper. Bob brings extensive experience and a passion for community engagement. He will lead the cathedral’s mission, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of faith, outreach, and cultural enrichment in Guildford and beyond. I wish the Dean every success in his new post.
· Jewish Commemoration & Reconciliation Day: I joined the Mayor of Guildford and the Lord Bishop of Guildford to mark the 750th Anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews of Guildford. The day was dedicated to recommitting ourselves to diversity, freedom of religion, and belief, especially in this time of surging antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Chair’s Events
Community Champions Reception: I would like to thank the Members who nominated residents who do exceptional work in their districts for the Community Champion Reception set to take place this Spring. My office will be in touch in due course, and I very much look forward to recognising, thanking, and celebrating each and every worthy individual.
Holocaust Ceremony: This year, for the first time, we held the Holocaust ceremony at the Surrey History Centre in Woking. I was joined by guest speakers, Holocaust survivor Ted Truscoe, our very own Paul Deach, and Rabbi Alex Goldberg in the lighting of the candle. This year's theme, "For a Better Future" was at the forefront, encouraging us to learn from the past and consider what we can do to create a better future. We focused on bringing people together to reflect, speak up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion, challenge prejudice, and encourage others to learn about the Holocaust and recent genocides. The ceremony was complemented ... view the full agenda text for item 7/25 Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair:
· Highlighted that Surrey had seen a remarkable number of its residents recognised in the King's New Year Honours List for 2025, he extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honourees. · Noted the recent Holocaust Memorial Day at the Surrey History Centre to remember all the victims. · Noted that his full announcements could be found in the agenda.
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2025/26 FINAL BUDGET AND MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY TO 2029/30
Council is asked to approve the 2025/26 Final Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2029/30.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions and/or make comments.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the 2025/26 Final Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2029/30 and made a statement in support of the proposed budget.
A copy of the Leader’s budget statement is attached as Appendix A.
Each of the Minority Group Leaders (Paul Follows, Catherine Powell, Jonathan Essex and Robert Evans OBE) were invited to speak on the budget proposals.
Key points made by Paul Follows were that:
· Thanked all involved with the crafting of the budget and responding to queries on it, and noted the impossible task of balancing local government finances. · Noted that the Council was rushing forward into the uncertainty of local government reorganisation which would not be a fix for Surrey, and the local government reorganisation figure in the budget had not been scrutinised. · Noted that the demand for services was accelerating and costs were increasing, successive governments had not provided a fix and the Council’s challenge to central government had been weak. · Noted the £30 million capital for pothole repairs funded by borrowing and asset sales - asked whether those had been chosen - and the £5 million for one-off verge cutting. · Noted the additional £4.4 million capital for Farnham Brightwells, the vague asset sales and unaffordable debt concerning infrastructure. · Noted that the Council had fallen short by 1.17 million of the 1.2 million figure of planting trees. · Noted the £36.7 million of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) money budgeted over five years, should instead be taken as a one-off payment. · Noted the £140 million in defined cuts and £150 million in undefined cuts concerning Children, Families and Learning (CFL). · Noted the millions of pounds of cuts in Adult Social Care (ASC), there was over £300 million unfunded after efficiencies, and 287 jobs targeted for cuts. · Noted the Council’s low reserves and reserves gap of £1 billion. · Noted that the Council could have reassured residents of the viability of the budget through inviting independent evaluation, it was a balanced budget on paper only, it was unsustainable. Residents were not receiving services and were being left behind. · Stressed that transformation projects that have not delivered savings, should be reviewed or removed.
Key points made by Catherine Powell were that:
· Highlighted the exponential increase in the demand for services particularly in adults’ and children’s social care, and Home to School Transport. · Noted the strong evidence that a child’s first 1,001 days set the foundations for their development; yet in 2019 there were 58 Sure Start centres in Surrey, now there were only 21 Family Centres, the majority run by the voluntary sector. · Noted a recent study which showed the clear association in youth provision and positive short-term outcomes, many were sustained over decades; yet youth provision was lower now than it was five years ago and was mostly provided by the voluntary sector whose buildings were at risk. · Noted the Good Childhood Report from the Children’s Society, in which the UK ranked high in family support but ranked in the bottom 20% in Europe for 15-year olds’ wellbeing. · Noted ... view the full minutes text for item 8/25 |
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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 David Lewis (Camberley West) be absent from Council meetings by reason of ill health.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the report.
RESOLVED:
That Councillor David Lewis (Camberley West) continues to be absent from meetings until March 2025 by reason of ill health. The Council looks forward to welcoming him back in due course.
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APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
Recommendation: Council is asked to note the Leader’s appointment of David Lewis (Cobham) as the Chairman of the Strategic Investment Board.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair highlighted the recommendation.
RESOLVED:
That Council noted the Leader’s appointment of David Lewis (Cobham) as the Chairman of the Strategic Investment Board.
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MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT
To agree the annual adjustment to Members’ Allowances for the financial year 2025-2026.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the report.
RESOLVED:
That Council approved the updated Members’ Allowances Schedule (Annex A).
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UPDATED HEALTH GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
This report seeks to inform Council of recent changes to Health Governance arrangements in Surrey and asks it to note the Memorandum of Understanding between Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Partnership and approve the revised Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair introduced the report.
RESOLVED:
1. That Council noted the Memorandum of Understanding between Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Health Partnership set out in Annex 1. 2. That Council approved the revised Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference set out in Annex 1 - Appendix 2.
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MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME
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 29 January 2025).
Additional documents: Minutes: Questions:
Notice of twenty questions had been received.
The questions and replies were published in the second supplementary agenda (items 10 and 11A) on 3 February 2025.
A number of supplementary questions were asked and a summary of the main points is set out below:
(Q2) Fiona Davidson asked the Cabinet Member that in the unlikely event that a community group may wish to bid for a community asset, would the Council handle that in the same way it does for commercial property such as looking at best value.
Eber Kington asked whether the Cabinet Member would agree that the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) at less than market value was legal and that if residents have a proposal for a CAT of a Council property or land, then it should be considered.
The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure noted that she would ask officers to look into the Member’s question, she clarified that the Council did not have a CAT policy, most of the Council’s buildings were operational. The Council was duty bound under Section 123 of the Local Government Act to obtain best value for its sites, most assets were purchased and made into residential sites. She noted that she would liaise with the Member regarding the old Grafton Stables at Worcester Park.
(Q3)Chris Townsend asked the Cabinet Member why the information requested last year could not be provided now, rather than having to wait a few months for a meeting to take place.
Jonathan Essex reiterated the ask of the question regarding the current use.
Mark Sugden noted that the matter was heard at a Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee in July 2024, until a well-organised youth group could get guarantee of a lease extension it was difficult to motivate new volunteers to join and to raise money. He asked when answers would be provided.
NickHarrison asked what the purpose was of the review and whether criteria had been set on how it might be used in the future to bolster youth work.
Robert King noted that if the Council was to look at terminating the use of buildings, he asked whether any revenue could be ringfenced for youth work.
George Potter asked whether the Cabinet Member could confirm that the information requested on whichorganisations have a lease for each building and what the status was, was information that could be obtained under a Freedom of Information request and for that to be provided.
The Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning explained that it had been difficult to schedule the meeting with the many providers as some felt they had been given too short notice.
The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure explained that the information requested could not be provided because of the General Data Protection Regulation. She clarified that Land and Property operated on behalf of the service and would offer a property to other services, it took a long time to declare ... view the full minutes text for item 13/25 |
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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 3 February 2025).
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none.
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ORIGINAL MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 11.6
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair noted that at his discretion he had chosen to accept the original motion under Standing Order 11.6.
Item 11A
Under Standing Order 12.3 the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, David Lewis (Cobham), moved a proposal.
The proposal was as follows:
That the motion below by Paul Follows be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for the purpose of consideration.
This Council recognises that:
Continual improvement and external assurance are key components of best practice and good scrutiny for the Council as a whole and for individual councillors undertaking their duties.
Recognising the budget constraints of this Council, such reviews do not have to be undertaken by expensive consultants and can be procured through the Local Government Association (LGA) and associated bodies.
SOLACE (The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers) and Local Partnerships have indicated to Surrey County Council that these reviews would be carried out free of charge.
To validate the information for the 2025/26 budget and to support the creation of the 2026/27 budget, this Council resolves to:
I. Commission ‘SOLACE’ to conduct a governance review of finance and governance processes of the Council.
II. Commission ‘Local Partnerships’ to review the risk appetite, treasury management, capital strategy and transformation project forecasts of this Council.
III. Aim to consider reports from the reviews under part 1 and 2 of this motion at the relevant select committee and to full Council by the end of September 2025, subject to the timetable for procurement of these reviews.
Paul Follows made the following points:
· Hoped to have tabled the item as part of his budget amendment rather than a motion, would have been more willing to support the budget had he had assurance of external scrutiny. · Noted that both consultancy options outlined in the motion were free and the Council’s Finance team had confirmed that and both provided tangible benefits such as improvement initiatives which had saved public money. · Noted that Local Partnerships was a joint venture of the Local Government Association and His Majesty’s Treasury, and SOLACE had competently assessed governance and finance processes in other local authorities in Surrey. · Highlighted the cross-party desire to explore efficiencies and improvements.
In speaking to his proposal, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources made no comments as the proposer was in support of the referral.
Paul Follows confirmed that he was in support of the referral of the motion to the Audit and Governance Committee.
The proposal to refer the motion was put to the vote and was carried.
Therefore, it was RESOLVED that:
The motion be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for the purpose of consideration.
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 17 December 2024, 8 January 2025 (Extraordinary) and 28 January 2025.
(Note: report to follow) Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the Cabinet meetings held on 17 December 2024, 8 January 2025 (Extraordinary) and 28 January 2025.
Recommendations on Policy Framework Documents:
28 January 2025:
A. 2025/26 Final Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2029/30
RESOLVED:
That the recommendations regarding this item had already been approved under item 5.
B. Admission Arrangements for Surrey’s Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for September 2026 and Surrey’s Relevant Area
RESOLVED:
That County Council approved:
1. That the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Year 3 at Reigate Priory is reduced from 150 to 120 for 2026 admission, as set out in Appendix 1 of Annex 1. 2. That a Published Admission Number (PAN) is not introduced for admission to Year 3 at Audley Primary School for 2026 admission. 3. That the Published Admissions Number (PAN) for Reception at Earlswood Infant School is reduced from 120 to 90 for 2026 admission, as set out in Appendix 1 of Annex 1. 4. That the Published Admission Numbers (PANs) for September 2026 for all other community and voluntary controlled schools (excluding Year 3 at Reigate Priory and Reception at Earlswood Infant School, which are covered by Recommendations 1 and 3) are determined as they are set out in Appendix 1 of Annex 1. 5. That all other aspects of Surrey’s admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for September 2026, for which no change has been consulted on, are agreed as set out in Annex 1 and its appendices. 6. That Surrey’s Relevant Area is agreed as set out in Annex 4.
Reports for Information/Discussion:
17 December 2024:
C. Surrey Schools And Early Years Funding 2025-26 D. Climate Change Progress Assessment 2023/4 E. Annual Procurement Forward Plan FY 2025/26
8 January 2025 (Extraordinary meeting):
F. Response to the English Devolution White Paper
28 January 2025:
G. Referral of County Council Motion H. Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030 I. Everyday Living Opportunities J. Technology Enabled Care and Homes (TECH)
K. Quarterly Report on Decisions Taken Under Special Urgency Arrangements: 3 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
RESOLVED:
1. Noted that there had been one urgent decision since the last Cabinet report to Council: Response to the English Devolution White Paper: Extraordinary Cabinet, 8 January 2025. 2. Adopted the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 17 December 2024, 8 January 2025 (Extraordinary) and 28 January 2025.
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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 3 February 2025.
(Note: 28 January 2025 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.
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