Decision

RESOLVED that

1. subject to a similar resolution being made by the West Surrey Shadow Authority, the recommended configuration of services to transition to East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, by Programme Theme, be supported, and include the services:

·         disaggregated between East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council;

·         aggregated into East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, based on geography;

·         hosted by either East Surrey Council or West Surrey Council, on behalf of both, on a temporary basis, with defined review points;

·         retained ‘whole’ in the longer term, including those transferring to the Combined Fire & Rescue Authority and Pensions Authority;

·         hosted specifically by East Surrey Council on behalf of both East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, or hosted specifically by West Surrey Council on behalf of both East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, where there is an operational rationale for such an arrangement;

and it be noted that these agreed configurations provide the basis for completing detailed workforce disaggregation, budget planning, Section 16 preparation, Inter-Authority Agreement development and Vesting Day blueprint activity;

1. it be noted that a small number of the service configuration recommendations differ from those shared in July, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
2. it be noted that work was underway to develop recommendations on the host authority for authority agnostic hosted services, and that these recommendations will be presented to the Shadow Executive for decision in October 2026;
3. it be noted that the Heads of Paid Service for East and West Surrey may exercise their delegated authority as approved by both Executives in July, should this become necessary;
4. it be noted that material budget pressures, potential savings and any unavoidable disaggregation costs arising from the agreed configurations will be identified and included for consideration within the wider strategic and financial planning process for 2027/28; and
5. it be noted that West Surrey Shadow Executive was also considering equivalent recommendations, and that decisions taken by each authority will require ongoing joint working across the Shadow Executives throughout the shadow transition period to support successful implementation.