This week, Mole Valley Council held several key meetings, focusing on health and wellbeing, pensions, and police oversight.

The first meeting was the Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. This meeting was particularly impactful as it covered a range of topics from tobacco control to mental health initiatives. One of the key decisions was the allocation of an additional £1.1 million grant for tobacco control over the next five years. This funding aims to support 15,000 smokers in quitting, focusing on high-prevalence groups such as routine and manual workers and those in substance misuse treatment.

We've been awarded an additional grant of just over £1.1 million for the next five years. This will help us support an additional 15,000 smokers to set a quit date to tackle their nicotine dependence for good. - Emma Jones, Public Health Lead at Surrey County Council

The board also discussed the Surrey suicide prevention strategy, with a consultation planned to revise the strategy by July 22nd. This reflects the council's ongoing commitment to mental health and wellbeing.

The second meeting was the Surrey Pension Fund Committee on Friday, 21 June 2024. The focus was on the financial health and governance of the pension fund. A significant discussion was around the recent Supreme Court judgment on downstream emissions, which could impact the valuation of investments in the fossil fuel sector. The committee emphasized the need for urgent assessment of these investments to avoid potential stranded assets.

Perhaps it is time for Surrey Pension Fund to demand that its investment managers urgently assess the value of any investments in the UK fossil fuel sector to quantify the likely downside impact on valuation and assess the risk of holding potentially stranded assets. - Jackie Macy, Public Question

The committee also reviewed the annual benefit statements and the progress on legacy cases, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and improving service delivery to pension members.

The third meeting was the Surrey Police and Crime Panel on Thursday, 20 June 2024. The panel held a confirmation hearing for the appointment of Ellie Vasey-Thompson as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. The hearing focused on her professional competence and personal independence. Vasey-Thompson highlighted her experience in the role, her understanding of the commissioner's vision, and her plans to address key challenges such as finance and political changes.

The commissioner's overarching vision is and always has been to be an accessible representative for the Surrey public and a critical friend to Surrey Police, supporting, holding into account as appropriate. - Ellie Vasey-Thompson, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate

The panel's recommendation will be communicated to the Police and Crime Commissioner, who will decide on the appointment.

These meetings highlight the council's multifaceted approach to governance, focusing on public health, financial management, and police oversight. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the community, ensuring better health outcomes, financial stability, and effective policing.

This week, Mole Valley Council held several important meetings, focusing on governance, education, property, and community resilience.

The first meeting was the Audit and Governance Committee on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. This meeting was particularly significant as it covered a range of topics from audit reports to governance issues. One of the key discussions was about the annual complaints performance report, which highlighted the nature of complaints received by the council and the handling performance in 2023-24. The report showed a 5% overall increase in complaints, with notable increases in adult services and corporate services. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing these complaints to improve service delivery.

The key highlights from this report include a positive in that the overall increase of complaints recorded against the council is five percent when compared to the previous year. - Jessica Brook, Customer Relations Manager

The committee also discussed the implementation of actions from previous meetings and the need for timely responses to complaints. This reflects the council's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.

The second meeting was the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong Learning Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The primary focus was on the SEND capital programme budget. The cabinet member approved the use of £19.4 million from the approved SEND capital funding for projects at three sites: Fremantle Schools temporary satellite site, Pond Meadows School, and Phillips Southcote School. This investment aims to create permanent accommodation for 132 additional specialist school places and re-provide 24 existing places.

Investing in Fremantle Schools temporary satellite site in Pond Meadows School and in Phillips Southcote Schools capital projects is going to generate a positive impact on outcomes for children with complex additional needs and disabilities. - Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong Learning Decisions Meeting Transcript

This decision underscores the council's commitment to improving educational facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can be educated closer to their homes.

The third meeting was the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The key decision was the approval of the freehold disposal of the cottage at Norbury Park, Michelham. The asset was declared surplus to operational requirements, and the sale was approved following an open market campaign. This decision reflects the council's strategic approach to managing its property portfolio and generating revenue from surplus assets.

I would like to approve the sale of the cottage in Norbury Park, Michelham to the party at the sale price agreed and subject to the conditions noted in part 2 of this report. - Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure Decisions Meeting Transcript

The fourth meeting was the Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, and Resilience Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The focus was on the adoption of the charter for families bereaved through public tragedy. This charter represents a public pledge to ensure the pain and suffering of families affected by tragedies like Hillsborough are not repeated. The adoption of this charter highlights the council's commitment to supporting bereaved families and ensuring transparency and accountability in the aftermath of major incidents.

Adopting this charter and honouring its principles will provide us with a framework to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident. - Tina, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Lastly, the Joint Advisory Committee for the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty met on Friday, 07 June 2024. Although the transcript for this meeting was not available, it typically involves discussions on the management and conservation of the Surrey Hills AONB, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to preserve natural landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.

These meetings highlight the council's multifaceted approach to governance, focusing on improving service delivery, educational facilities, property management, community resilience, and environmental conservation. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the community, ensuring better services, enhanced educational facilities, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

This week, Mole Valley Council held three key meetings, with significant discussions and decisions that will impact the community.

The first meeting was the Cabinet Member for Environment Decisions on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. The primary focus was on the adoption of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan for 2024-2029. The High Weald AONB, designated in 1983, is the largest in the southeast and one of 46 AONBs across England. It covers historic farmlands and dispersed settlements, with over 60% of the area being farmland. The management plan, prepared by the High Weald AONB Unit, aims to conserve and enhance the landscape.

The High Weald AONB is run by the High Weald AONB Unit, which is responsible for preparing the management plan and carrying out the review. - Cabinet Member for Environment Decisions Meeting Transcript

The council's adoption of this plan is crucial as it fulfills statutory responsibilities under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Failure to adopt the plan would result in statutory consequences, including the need for the county council to produce its own review and management plan. The decision to adopt the plan was unanimous, reflecting the council's commitment to environmental conservation and resilience.

The second meeting was the Cabinet on the same day, Tuesday, 28 May 2024. While the transcript for this meeting was not available, it typically covers a range of strategic decisions and policy implementations. The outcomes of this meeting will likely be detailed in future communications.

The third meeting was the Planning and Regulatory Committee on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The committee reviewed a minerals and waste application for land at Dorking West Station Yard. The application sought to retain a materials recovery facility for processing 7,500 tonnes per annum of imported skip waste, primarily construction and demolition waste. The proposal included a waste processing building, an unloading area, skips, an acoustic fence, and parking facilities.

Officers consider that there is a need for the proposal, that the application complies with local plan policies on waste management, ecology and biodiversity, and subject to conditions, landscape and visual impact. - Planning and Regulatory Committee Meeting Transcript

However, the County Highway Authority and the Environment Agency recommended refusal due to access and highway safety concerns and the risk of pollution to controlled waters. The committee ultimately decided to refuse the application, citing the potential harm to the green belt, inadequate access, and environmental risks.

Officers do not consider that there are sufficient very special circumstances that clearly outweigh the potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm. - Planning and Regulatory Committee Meeting Transcript

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance environmental conservation, community needs, and regulatory compliance. The adoption of the High Weald AONB Management Plan underscores the council's commitment to preserving natural landscapes, while the refusal of the waste facility application reflects a cautious approach to development in sensitive areas.

This week, the Mole Valley Council held its annual meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. This meeting was particularly significant due to the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the civic year 2024-2025, along with discussions on various council matters and key appointments.

The most notable event was the election of Sajus Ains as Chair of the Council. He was nominated by Robert Evans OBE and seconded by Jonathan Essex, both of whom praised his previous term and leadership qualities. The council unanimously re-elected Sajus Ains, who expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving impartially. Tim Hall was elected as Vice Chair, with nominations from Claire Curran and Will Foster, who highlighted his dedication and experience.

The council also discussed the recent Offstead report on children's services. While the report noted improvements, it highlighted areas needing further attention, such as the quality of letters sent to vulnerable families and the consistency of direct work with children. The leader emphasized the council's commitment to continuous improvement in these areas.

Another significant topic was the proposed closure of Banstead Fire Station. Concerns were raised about the impact on fire coverage and response times. Kevin Dinnis, the cabinet member for communities, explained that the station was not fit for purpose and that the fire service's dynamic risk-based approach would ensure adequate coverage. He also mentioned the possibility of a member seminar to explain the mapping and decision-making process in more detail.

The issue of potholes and road maintenance was also addressed, with questions about the high number of claims for damage and the criteria for compensation. David Lewis, the cabinet member for transport, explained that the criteria are necessary to protect council finances and that the current system is fair.

Discussions on the provision of school places, particularly for disadvantaged children, and the sustainability of small schools were also held. Claire Curran, the cabinet member for education, emphasized the importance of working in partnership with schools to address these issues.

The council noted the appointment of Michael Coughlin as interim head of paid service following the departure of Lee Whitehouse. The leader thanked Lee Whitehouse and Katie Stewart for their contributions and welcomed the new Chief Executive, Terrence Herbert, who will join later in the summer.

Lastly, the council discussed the importance of addressing climate change and the need for increased funding for local government to support essential services. The leader committed to continuing to lobby the government for more support and funding.

Overall, the meeting focused on leadership elections, improvements in children's services, fire station closures, road maintenance, school place provision, and the council's ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and securing adequate funding.

There was another meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, but no video broadcast was available for this session.