Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Fiona White.

To receive from Members, declarations of interest in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting in accordance with the Councillor Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest.

Decision:

1.       That, subject to the recommendation of the Council on 19 March 2025, Part A of Appendix 1, together with the proposals of the Districts and Boroughs for reorganisation of Surrey into three unitary authorities (as set out in Part B (i) of Appendix 1), be submitted by the Leader of the Council to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 21 March 2025; and

2.       that the Executive authorise the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Chief Executive the authority to make minor amendments to the interim plan before submitting it on 21 March 2025.

Reason(s):

It is considered that the joint Interim Local Government Reorganisation Plan, attached at Appendix 1 to this report, provides the best opportunity to achieve better outcomes for residents, save significant money and improve accountability as well as unlocking the potential powers and funding to be devolved to strategic authorities in due course.

Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:

Part B (ii) – Draft Interim Local Government Reorganisation Plan for Surrey: authored by Surrey County Council.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.