Agenda
PDF 281 KBVenue: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8EF
Contact: Amelia Christopher Email: amelia.christopher@surreycc.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chair to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20 May 2025.
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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: |
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome Good morning everyone and welcome to this morning’s Council meeting. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending my first month as Chair finding my feet and I have had the pleasure of visiting some wonderful organisations and attending civic engagements that I am pleased to update you on since we last met. These occasions have offered valuable opportunities to represent Surrey County Council, celebrate community achievements, and strengthen partnerships across the county.
Surrey Cultural Partnership Network I had the pleasure of attending the Surrey Cultural Partnership at Pipbrook House in Dorking. This dynamic network is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Surrey, regardless of background has access to meaningful cultural experiences. The event focused on the county’s cultural strategy and the importance of equitable access to arts, heritage, and creative opportunities.
High Sheriff NEET Conference I attended a conference to address the growing concern around young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), hosted by the High Sheriff at the University of Surrey. This important event followed the publication of the report Unseen Surrey, An Exploratory Overview of the NEET Crisis, which was commissioned by the High Sheriff earlier this year. The conference brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Leader, educators, healthcare professionals, police, and voluntary organisations, to address the growing concern around young people who are affected. Attendees participated in breakout sessions focused on collaborative solutions, data sharing, and the development of pilot initiatives to support vulnerable young people. The partnership between the county’s data information and voluntary sector, and the university was very impressive.
Colleagues Connect Market Place Event Held here in Woodhatch Place, the Surrey Market Place event was a chance to reconnect colleagues and highlight all we have to offer across the council. The Vice-Chair, Bernie and I did our best to engage with as many stallholders and staff networks as we could, learning about the challenges and successes of those working to support Surrey’s economy and wellbeing. The sheer variety of teams and the amount of work going on in our council was terrifically impressive!
Citizenship Ceremonies Presiding over Citizenship Ceremonies is fast becoming a highlight for the Vice-Chair and I. Warmly welcoming new citizens to the United Kingdom and to Surrey is a pure delight and offers a wonderful moment to congratulate each new citizen on their journey and share in their pride and recognition to becoming a British citizen.
Magna Carta 800 Commemoration I was honoured to attend the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Dinner, held in the magnificent Picture Gallery at the Royal Holloway, University of London. This special evening marked the sealing of the definitive and final version of the Magna Carta in 1225, ten years after the original charter was agreed at Runnymede. Organised by the Runnymede Magna Carta Legacy Trust, the event brought together civic leaders, academics, and community representatives, to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta in shaping the principles of justice, liberty, and the rule of law. It was incredibly ... view the full agenda text for item 4. Additional documents: |
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LEADER'S STATEMENT
The Leader to make a statement.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions and/or make comments.
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CHANGES TO CABINET PORTFOLIOS AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
Recommendations:
1. Council is asked to note the Leader's changes to Cabinet Portfolios. 2. Council is asked to note Jonathan Hulley’s appointment to the Surrey-Wide Commissioning Committees in Common as the new Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning. 3. Council is asked to agree the appointment of Saj Hussain as a new Select Committee Task Group Lead / Vice-Chair for the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee. Additional documents: |
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SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025
For Council to review the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025 at Annex 1 offering feedback and comments as appropriate. This report provides a summary of scrutiny work conducted by the Council’s four Select Committees over the last financial year, highlighting areas of impact and good practice. Additional documents: |
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For Council to note the work undertaken by the Committee during the period June 2024 to May 2025.
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
It is the Council’s responsibility to approve changes to the Council’s Constitution. Amendments to Executive functions are the responsibility of the Leader and are brought to Council to note.
This report sets out proposed changes to:
· Part 3 – Responsibility for Functions and Scheme of Delegation (Section 2) · Part 5(2) – Rules of Procedure - Financial Regulations
These changes are brought to Council for formal approval in accordance with Articles 4.09 and 13.01(a) of the Council’s Constitution. Additional documents: |
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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 2 July 2025).
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.
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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 7 July 2025).
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
Item 12 (i)
Jonathan Essex (Redhill East) to move under standing order 11 asfollows:
This
Council notes: That the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that is currently passing through Parliament will change the way planning rules address environmental protection and recovery. The Bill sets out plans to dismantle key safeguards that have protected nature for decades, including removing key principles of environmental governance from the existing planning system.
The opinion of the Town and Country Planning Associations that: ‘The Planning and Infrastructure Bill could be the platform for the delivery of healthy communities designed to enhance nature and secure healthy and resilient homes. However, to achieve that goal the legislation requires significant amendment.’
That the Bill introduces a ‘Nature Restoration Fund’ to pay for nature recovery via ‘Environment Delivery Plans’ (EDPs). However, leading conservationists and wildlife experts say that the way the Bill is written would not bring in the finance needed or deliver for nature.
That Surrey Wildlife Trust refers to the Bill in its current form as: ‘A licence to kill nature’. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has warned that Part 3 would: ‘Have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided for by existing environmental law’. This constitutes regression, which is contrary to Section 20 of the Environment Act (2021).[1]
That Surrey Wildlife Trust, alongside national environmental organisations such as the RSPB, have therefore issued a joint call for Section 3 of the Bill to be scrapped.
This Council believes:
That Section 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will damage our efforts and those of our partners to protect and recover Surrey’s nature.
This Council resolves to:
Item 12 (ii)
Eber Kington (Ewell Court, Auriol & Cuddington) to move under standing order 11 asfollows:
This Council agrees that:
a. timely access to information, b. Officers understanding Members’ problems by looking for solutions and avoiding focusing on obstacles, and c. the Constitution and Standing Orders that provide for a range of options unfettered by narrow interpretations of their meaning.
To ensure that this Council’s processes continue to allow for both effective governance and scrutiny and that Members are equipped in ... view the full agenda text for item 12. Additional documents: |
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 27 May 2025 and 24 June 2025. Additional documents: |
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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 7 July 2025.
(Note: 24 June 2025 Cabinet minutes to follow)
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