Purpose

To agree and endorse the principles and approach to developing the West Surrey Corporate Strategy and financial planning, in line with Best Value Standards.

Decision

RESOLVED

That     (i)     the progress made in building the evidence base and the undertaking of preparatory work to support the development of the Corporate Strategy for the West Surrey Council be noted;

            (ii)    the emerging, early draft vision, values and priorities be noted and endorsed as the basis for further development of the Corporate Strategy; and

            (iii)    the recommended option (Option 2) be approved for further development of the Corporate Strategy, including the proposed approach to resident, staff and stakeholder engagement.

Reasons for decisions

The recommended approach supports the continued development of a clear and robust Corporate Strategy for West Surrey Council, providing visibility of progress and enabling appropriate oversight and input as the emerging vision, values and priorities are refined ahead of Vesting Day.  It also establishes a proportionate framework for further development, ensuring that the Strategy remains deliverable, aligned with local needs and organisational capacity, and is consistent with Best Value principles and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (“MHCLG’s”) Local Government Reorganisation assurance requirements.

This approach is consistent with the expectation that Elected Members play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the new Council.  It also ensures compliance with the resolution of the West Surrey Shadow Authority at its meeting on 21 May 2026, where it was resolved to ‘Refer all elements of the West Surrey Corporate Strategy, including the timetable, planning, communication and drafting, to the Executive Committee’ (covered under agenda item 12).