Purpose

That Cabinet considers progress on work to
date on devolution and local government reorganisation (DLGR) and
takes decisions on any recommendations as appropriate.

Content

RESOLVED:
 

1.   
That Cabinet notes the latest developments of Surrey’s
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (D&LGR)
programme.
 

2.   
That Cabinet agree the Leader of the Council writes to the
Secretary of State at an appropriate time, to determine the
requirements for establishing a Combined Fire and Rescue Authority
(CFRA) for Surrey.
 

3.   
That the Leader and Cabinet write to and work with the Secretary of
State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to seek
agreement to ensure:
 
I.    
That the debts held by both Woking Borough Council and Spelthorne
Borough Council will be ring-fenced and addressed by further debt
support.
II.   
That the to be formed West Surrey Unitary Council will not be
expected to commit to reducing the debt by selling off predecessor
council assets currently held by district and borough councils in
the West Surrey area or by Surrey County Council, due to the
relatively high levels of debt held by some of those districts and
boroughs in the West Surrey area.
III. 
That Government will commit to resolving the debt situations in
Woking Borough Council and Spelthorne Borough Council before the
summer recess in 2026. This will allow the West Surrey Unitary
Authority to have sufficient time to seek to develop a balanced
budget for its first year (2027/2028) given the other financial
challenges associated with on-going budget pressures, particularly
in Adult Social Care, Children’s Social Care, SEND, aging
highway infrastructure, housing and temporary accommodation and
changes to local government funding. 
 
Reasons for
Decisions:
 
As Surrey transitions to two new unitary local
authorities, the Council remains committed to maintaining openness
and transparency with residents and wider partners. This includes
regular updates on our D&LGR work, as well as the development
of a strong community engagement model through the Neighbourhood
Area Committee pilot programme.
 
(The decisions on
this item can be called-in by the
Resources and Performance Select Committee)