This week in Surrey:

Local Government Reorganisation Dominates Council Discussions: East and West Surrey Shadow Authorities Prepare for Formation

The planned transition to two new unitary authorities in Surrey, East Surrey and West Surrey, took centre stage this week with joint committee meetings laying the groundwork for their establishment. The East Surrey Joint Committee and the West Surrey Joint Committee met on April 15th and 14th respectively, to discuss the crucial Implementation Plan for this significant reorganisation. The stakes are high, as a smooth transition is vital to ensure the continued delivery of essential services to residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable and rely on council support.

Crafting the Implementation Plan

Both committees reviewed draft content for a single Implementation Plan, designed to guide the safe and legal transition from the current two-tier system to the new unitary authorities. This plan is critical for ensuring that services, from social care to waste collection, continue without disruption.

Key areas covered in the plan include:

• Programme Governance and Timelines: Establishing clear structures and schedules for the transition process.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential issues that could impact service delivery or resident well-being.
• Transition Principles: Outlining how services will be transferred to the new organisations.
• Financial Planning: Addressing the financial implications, including projected budget gaps for the new authorities. The reports noted significant projected budget gaps for the shadow authorities in their first year, attributed to the wider funding environment rather than the reorganisation itself. This could have long-term implications for the level of services provided.
• Communications: Developing a joint communications strategy to keep residents informed.
• Equality Analysis: Ensuring that the reorganisation adheres to statutory obligations to promote equality.
• Information Governance: Maintaining data protection and compliance.

The financial commentary highlighted the challenging environment expected for the new authorities, with a significant reliance on Council Tax and pressures from high levels of external debt in West Surrey. This financial outlook is a critical factor for residents, as it will directly influence the council's ability to fund services in the future.

Establishing Governance for Shadow Authorities

In addition to the Implementation Plan, both committees considered the proposed Constitutions for the East Surrey Shadow Authority and the West Surrey Shadow Authority. These documents will govern the operations of the shadow authorities from May 2026 until March 2027, preceding the formal establishment of the new councils.

The draft Constitutions detail:

• Powers and Duties: Defining the roles of the Shadow Authority, Shadow Leader, Shadow Executive, councillors, and officers.
• Decision-Making Processes: Establishing how decisions will be made, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Committees and Scrutiny: Setting up the necessary committees, including overview and scrutiny functions, to ensure effective oversight.

The proposed Constitutions are intended to be working documents, adaptable as the governance frameworks evolve. The successful establishment of these structures is paramount to ensuring that the new authorities can effectively serve their residents from day one.

• What's Happening: Joint committees reviewed plans for the transition to new unitary authorities and the proposed governance structures for the shadow authorities.
• Why it Matters: This reorganisation directly impacts the services residents receive and the way local government operates. A well-managed transition is crucial for continuity and stability, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Key Concerns: Projected budget gaps for the new authorities and the potential impact of the wider financial environment on service provision.

You can find more details in the East Surrey Joint Committee meeting agenda and the West Surrey Joint Committee meeting agenda.

Firefighters' Pension Board Addresses Scheme Management and Risk Mitigation

The Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board met on Thursday, April 16th, to review the management of the firefighters' pension scheme and address ongoing risks. The meeting highlighted progress in resolving historical issues and discussed upcoming changes that could affect pension contributions for some firefighters.

Scheme Management and Updates

The Board received updates on several key areas:

• Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) and Remedial Service Statements (RSS): While the majority of these statements have been issued, some remain outstanding due to data queries. The transition to a new administration platform, Aurora, means that ABS and RSS are now considered day two developments, with a standalone calculator developed to address outstanding RSS statements.
• Pension Contribution Overpayments: A historic issue concerning overpayments made by 19 firefighters has been fully resolved, with refunds processed. This brings closure to a long-standing administrative problem.
• Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP): One IDRP claim is ongoing, related to a member's dissatisfaction with their Remedial Service Statement, pension payment, and the handling of their case.
• Member Contribution Structure: A new member contribution structure, implemented on April 1st, aims to align the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (FPS) more closely with other public sector schemes. While this is expected to benefit lower-paid members, some at the higher end of the salary scales will see their contributions increase. This change directly impacts the take-home pay of affected firefighters.
• Retained Firefighters' Pension Scheme Amendments: Formalised amendments to the scheme for retained firefighters are effective from April 1st, though the full implementation may be delayed pending Government Actuary's Department (GAD) calculations.
• Matthews and McCloud Remedies: Work continues on reassessing members' statements to account for the Matthews and McCloud remedies, which address issues related to on-call firefighters' entitlements and age discrimination in pension schemes respectively. These complex remedies can have significant financial implications for individual members.
• Pensions Dashboards: The Pensions Dashboards project is on track for public accessibility in October 2026, aiming to provide members with a clearer overview of their pension information.

Risk Register Review

The Board reviewed the updated risk register, agreeing to close several risks related to Annual Benefit Statements and the McCloud case, reflecting progress in resolving these issues. However, risks related to data management, team resourcing, and software limitations remain active and are being managed. A new risk concerning on-call staff potentially not repaying pension contributions has been added.

• What's Happening: The Firefighters' Pension Board reviewed scheme management, resolved historical issues, and discussed changes to contribution structures.
• Why it Matters: These decisions directly affect the pension entitlements and financial security of firefighters. Changes to contribution structures can impact take-home pay, and the resolution of historical issues ensures fair treatment.
• Key Outcomes: Closure of several risks on the register, indicating progress in managing pension scheme operations.

You can find more details in the Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board meeting agenda.

People, Performance and Development Committee Discusses LGR Staffing and Forward Work Programme

The People, Performance and Development Committee met on Monday, April 13th, to receive an update on staffing implications of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and to review its forward work programme. The discussions highlighted the significant efforts being made to manage the transition for the council's 19,000 staff.

LGR Staffing Update

A key focus was a verbal update on the workforce implications of the LGR. The council is actively communicating with staff about their future placements, with managers holding one-to-one meetings to discuss individual transfers to new organisations. Over 600 line managers have attended workshops to prepare them for these crucial conversations.

• Timeline: Staff are expected to know their final placement by October 2026.
• Staff Transfers: All existing staff will transfer to the new organisations under TUPE¹ regulations, ensuring their terms and conditions are protected.
• Redundancies: While no voluntary redundancy scheme is in place as part of the LGR, the reduction of senior leadership roles is a possibility, with redeployment opportunities to be explored. Any significant restructuring beyond senior leadership is likely to occur after Vesting Day (April 2027).
• Support for Shadow Authorities: The implementation team, comprised of existing staff, will support the shadow authorities in their setup before Vesting Day.

Concerns were raised about potential staff reductions, with the council clarifying that any such decisions would be made by the new East and West councils after Vesting Day. The focus currently is on ensuring a balanced transfer of skilled staff.

Forward Work Programme

The committee also noted its Forward Work Programme, which includes future updates on Surrey Pay, the Annual Workforce Report, and continued discussions on LGR staffing. An update on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is scheduled for November 2026.

• What's Happening: The committee reviewed the staffing impact of LGR and its future work plans.
• Why it Matters: This directly affects the livelihoods and job security of thousands of council employees. Clear communication and fair processes are essential to minimise anxiety and ensure a smooth transition.
• Key Focus: Ensuring staff are informed about their future roles and that their rights are protected during the reorganisation.

You can find more details in the People, Performance and Development Committee meeting agenda.

This week in Surrey:

Police Complaints Sub-Committee Meets to Address Commissioner Grievances

The Surrey Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee convened on Tuesday, March 31st, to address a series of complaints lodged against the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. The meeting focused on the informal resolution of these grievances, with a recommendation to hold parts of the discussion in private to protect sensitive information.

Confidential Complaints Under Review

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider complaints numbered 0063, 0064, 0065, 0066, and 0067. These complaints, along with the Police and Crime Commissioner's responses, were deemed confidential under Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which pertains to information about any individual. This means the specific details of the complaints and the Commissioner's responses were not made public. The sub-committee's role was to explore informal resolution pathways as outlined in the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012¹.

• What was discussed: Complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
• Why it matters: Ensures accountability for the conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner and provides a mechanism for resolving grievances.
• Confidentiality: Details of the complaints were not publicly disclosed due to privacy regulations.

You can find more details in the Surrey Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee meeting agenda.

This week in Surrey:

Pension Fund Faces Cash Flow Challenges: Strategic Plan Approved Amidst Investment Review

The Surrey Pension Fund Committee met on Friday, March 27th, to discuss the fund's financial health, strategic direction, and investment performance. A key takeaway was the projected cash flow deficit over the next 20 years, meaning benefit payments are expected to exceed contribution income. This situation, while natural for a maturing pension scheme, necessitates careful management of the fund's assets to ensure ongoing solvency.

Strategic Plan and Budget Approved

Despite the projected cash flow challenges, the committee approved the Surrey Pension Fund Team's strategic plan and budget for 2026/27. The plan, described as a rocket, focuses on delivering value to customers through pillars of compliance, readiness for today, and being better for tomorrow. Key priorities include complying with new pension reforms, enhancing financial controls, improving data management, and embracing digital innovation. The budget, totalling £8.195 million, reflects these priorities, with significant investment in staff costs to support these initiatives.

• What's Happening: The committee approved the strategic plan and budget for the upcoming financial year.
• Why it Matters: This plan outlines how the pension fund will operate and invest to meet its obligations to members, even with projected cash flow deficits.
• Key Priorities: Compliance with new regulations, financial control, data management, and digital innovation.
• Budget: £8.195 million allocated for operational expenditure.

You can find more details in the Surrey Pension Fund Committee meeting agenda.

Investment Performance Under Scrutiny

The committee reviewed the fund's investment performance, noting a significant increase in fund value to £6.9 billion over the last four years. However, concerns were raised about underperformance in specific areas, particularly the Border to Coast UK Alpha fund, which has been a long-term issue. The committee discussed the need for alternative measures to assess private market performance and the impact of market volatility.

• Fund Value: Increased to £6.9 billion.
• Underperformance: Noted in Border to Coast UK Alpha and UK real estate.
• Discussion Points: Measuring private market performance and managing market volatility.

Responsible Investment and Governance Updates

The fund's responsible investment activities were also a focus, with nearly 500 engagements with companies on themes such as water, corporate governance, and remuneration. The fund voted against management on 27% of resolutions, primarily concerning board remuneration and audit selections. The committee also discussed the ongoing preparation for the UK Stewardship Code submission and approved the delegation of final approval for its renewal to the chair.

• Engagements: Nearly 500 engagements with companies.
• Voting: Voted against management on 27% of resolutions.
• Stewardship Code: Renewal submission in progress.

Pension Administration and Policy Reviews

The committee approved a revised pension administration strategy, aligning with monthly data collection and bringing forward employer payment dates. This strategy aims to demonstrate the value of pension administration to employers and their staff, with a warm-up period to help employers resolve any issues. Additionally, the Communications Policy Statement and Training Policy for 2026/27 were approved, with strengthened commitments to accessibility and digital channels for communications, and updated training requirements.

• Administration Strategy: Revised to align with monthly data collection and earlier payment dates.
• Policies Approved: Communications Policy Statement and Training Policy for 2026/27.

Other Matters

• Actuarial Update: The committee noted the projected cash flow negative position of the fund over the next 20 years, a natural progression for a maturing pension scheme. The required income yield to cover the shortfall was deemed manageable. Read the actuarial update.
• Audit Plan: The preliminary external audit plan for 2025/26 was approved. Read the audit plan.
• LGPS Developments: Recent developments in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) were discussed, including new regulations affecting death benefits and councillor membership. Read the LGPS update.
• Single Purpose Pensions Authority: An update was provided on the progress towards a single purpose pensions authority for Surrey County Council. Read the update.

This week in Surrey:

Over 30,000 Referrals for Information Only: Council Overhauls Adult Social Care Access

Surrey residents seeking adult social care support are now navigating a significantly streamlined system following a major overhaul of how the council receives and processes referrals. The new single front door approach, implemented in March, aims to cut through the confusion of 37 previous entry points, which led to delays and missed opportunities for early intervention. This change is particularly vital for vulnerable individuals who may struggle to navigate complex systems, potentially leading to longer waits for crucial support.

The new model introduces a three conversations approach. The first conversation is handled by an information and advice service, accessible by phone or online. The second, Connect to Community, is a new strength-based team that now manages all safeguarding referrals, occupational therapy, and aims for early intervention to support independent living. The third conversation involves area teams focusing on building a good life for more complex cases.

Data presented to the Adults and Health Select Committee revealed a startling reality: in 2025, 63% of new contacts from care professionals resulted in only information and advice being provided. Similarly, 89% of referrals from GPs and 82% from hospitals led to the same outcome. This suggests a significant number of referrals were not for services requiring direct council intervention, highlighting a need for better education for referrers.

Concerns were raised about how these changes would be communicated to residents, especially those not online. The council assured that existing residents known to the service would have their contact details updated, with redirects in place for old numbers. New residents would experience the process as before, with area team contact details provided if a service is initiated.

Crucially, the council stressed that this restructure is not about reducing frontline services but about making them more effective. No headcount reductions are planned. The committee requested a formal update in six months on the model's effectiveness, including performance data on demand management, waiting times, and safeguarding processes, with a particular focus on ensuring clear and accessible communications to avoid digital exclusion.

• What's Changed: A single front door for adult social care referrals, replacing 37 previous access points.
• Why it Matters: Aims to reduce delays, improve early intervention, and provide more effective support for vulnerable residents.
• Key Data: 63% of professional referrals in 2025 resulted in information and advice only, indicating a need for better referrer education.
• Concerns: Ensuring accessibility for those not online and clear communication about the changes.
• Council's Assurance: No reduction in frontline services; focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

You can find more details in the Adults and Health Select Committee meeting agenda.

NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB Merger: £75 Million Cut and 450 Job Reductions Amidst Integration Concerns

A significant restructuring of the NHS in Surrey and Sussex is underway, with NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex merging to form a single organisation: NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB). This merger, effective from April 1st, will see a drastic reduction in operating costs, from a combined £134.5 million to £59.3 million for 2026-27, resulting in approximately 450 job losses.

The new ICB will be a strategic commissioner, responsible for an estimated £8 billion in services for 3.1 million residents. While the aim is to create a leaner, more focused organisation, concerns were raised at the Adults and Health Select Committee about the potential impact on Surrey's service provision. With Sussex facing more significant challenges, there are fears that Surrey's services could be deprioritised, leading to a decline in performance.

Assurances were sought regarding the continuity of service provision for Surrey residents, provider contracts, patient pathways, and quality oversight during this transition. The ICB representatives stated they would leverage best practices from both counties and work collaboratively with providers. However, the scale of the cost reduction and job losses raises questions about the capacity to maintain current service levels, particularly for vulnerable populations who rely on these services.

The merger also involves a complex geographical split of the former NHS Frimley area, with parts transferring to NHS Surrey and Sussex, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and NHS Thames Valley. NHS Thames Valley will lead commissioning for Frimley Park Hospital.

• What's Happening: NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex are merging into NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB.
• The Stakes: A £75 million reduction in operating costs and approximately 450 job losses.
• Concerns: Potential negative impact on Surrey's service provision due to Sussex's greater challenges and the scale of cost-cutting.
• Impact on Residents: Assurances sought on continuity of care, contract stability, and quality oversight.

You can find more details in the Adults and Health Select Committee meeting agenda.

Council Approves EV Charging Policy and Debates Future of Spelthorne's Identity

Surrey County Council's full Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17th, saw robust debate on the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), financial sustainability, and the future identity of areas within the new unitary authorities. A key decision was the approval of a policy allowing residents to apply for approved cross-pavement Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions, a move aimed at supporting the transition to greener transport.

The council also voted to ask the government to name the new western unitary authority 'West Surrey and South Middlesex'. This motion, which passed despite significant abstentions, reflects a strong sentiment among some councillors and residents, particularly from the Spelthorne area, to acknowledge its historical identity as part of Middlesex. Councillor Robert Evans OBE, who proposed the motion, argued that Middlesex needs to be immortalised and that the name would recognise over 1,300 years of our unique Middlesex identity. While the final decision on naming rests with the new unitary authorities, the vote sends a clear message about local sentiment.

The meeting also addressed persistent concerns about road maintenance, with Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, Matt Furniss, defending the council's £300 million commitment to road improvements between 2023 and 2028. However, questions from councillors like Joanne Sexton and Catherine Powell highlighted ongoing resident frustration with the speed and effectiveness of pothole repairs, particularly in areas with clustered defects.

• Key Decisions: Policy approved for residents to apply for cross-pavement EV charging solutions; Council votes to request 'West Surrey and South Middlesex' as the name for the new western unitary authority.
• Impact on Residents: Easier access to EV charging infrastructure; potential for a name that better reflects the historical identity of areas like Spelthorne.
• Ongoing Concerns: Persistent resident dissatisfaction with the pace and effectiveness of pothole repairs, despite significant investment.
• LGR Debate: Extensive discussion on the financial viability of new unitary authorities and the potential for discretionary spending cuts, particularly impacting vulnerable residents.

You can find more details in the Council meeting agenda.

Other Matters

• Adult Social Care Transformation: The Adults and Health Select Committee noted the significant changes to adult social care services, including a new single front door approach and a three conversations model. The committee requested a formal update on the effectiveness of these changes in six months. Read more.
• NHS ICB Merger: The Adults and Health Select Committee received an update on the merger of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex into NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on service provision and job losses. Read more.
• Youth Centre Leases: Cabinet approved new formal lease agreements for 15 youth centres operated by voluntary and charitable sector providers, offering security and continuity for youth services. Read more.
• Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Cabinet approved the publication of the Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a collaborative plan to protect and restore nature across the county. Read more.
• Procurement Forward Plan: Cabinet approved the annual Procurement Forward Plan for 2026-27, outlining planned contracts and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Read more.
• New Policies: Cabinet adopted new policies on Complaints and Feedback and Managing Unreasonable Customer Behaviour, aiming to improve service delivery and manage interactions effectively. Read more.
• Financial Report (Month 10): Cabinet received the Month 10 Financial Report, indicating an improving revenue budget position and a forecast balanced budget for the year, with a £20 million contribution to reserves. Read more.
• Devolution and LGR Update: Cabinet noted the progress of the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation programme and agreed to submit an expression of interest for a Foundation Strategic Authority. Read more.
• Climate Action Strategy: The Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee is set to review strategic recommendations for climate action as part of the LGR preparations. Read more.
• Gambling-Related Harms Strategy: The Health and Wellbeing Board and Surrey-Hartland Integrated Care Partnership discussed a proposed whole-system approach to addressing gambling-related harms, aiming to embed prevention and early support across the county. Read more.
• Health and Wellbeing Strategy Refresh: The Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed the refreshed Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with updated priorities and a focus on health equity. Read more.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

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------ MEETING DATA ------ Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board Thursday 26 March 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/104960 CANCELLED false 2026-03-20T06:42:37+00:00 CANCELLED

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------ MEETING DATA ------ Surrey Police and Crime Panel Complaints Sub-Committee Tuesday 31 March 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/104949 FUTURE false 2026-03-20T06:50:59+00:00

Borough Councillor James Baker

Borough Councillor Barry J F Cheyne

John O'Reilly (Conservative)

John Robini (Liberal Democrats)

Samantha Sheriff

Borough Councillor Mike Smith

Borough Councillor Richard Wilson

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------ MEETING DATA ------ Planning and Regulatory Committee Wednesday 25 March 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/104952 CANCELLED false 2026-03-20T08:08:49+00:00 CANCELLED

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------ MEETING DATA ------ Surrey Pension Fund Committee Friday 27 March 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/104954 FUTURE false 2026-03-20T06:51:00+00:00

Richard Tear (Conservative)

Trefor Hogg (Conservative)

Duncan Eastoe

Kelvin Menon (Co-optee)

David Harmer (Conservative)

Robert Hughes (Conservative)

George Potter (Liberal Democrats)

Peter Harp ( Nork and Tattenhams Residents' Associations)

Nirmal Kang ( Liberal Democrats)

Nick Harrison ( Residents Association)