Purpose

Decision on what to recommend to the Minister regarding Charter Trustee / Borough status post vesting day.

Decision

RESOLVED That

(i)         the proposal by Guildford Borough Council for the establishment of Charter Trustees in that borough from 1 April 2027, if for whatever reason the proposed creation on 1 April 2027 of a parish covering the same area does not come to pass, be supported;

(ii)        the proposal by Spelthorne Borough Council for Charter Trustees to be created in that borough on 1 April 2027 be supported;

(iii)        the proposal by Surrey Heath Borough Council for Charter Trustees to be created in that borough on 1 April 2027 be supported;

(iv)       the proposal by Woking Borough Council for Charter Trustees to be created in that borough on 1 April 2027 be supported;

(v)        it be noted that Unitary Authority Councillors for wards overlapping any charter trustee areas created would automatically be made charter trustees from 1 April 2027;

(vi)       an Independent Remuneration Panel be asked to convene during 2027/28 to consider the matter of remuneration for Charter Trustees and/or Charter Trustee Mayors, to inform the statutory task of agreeing the ongoing activities and costs of charter trustees before 1 April 2028; and

(vii)       it be noted that MHCLG officials were considering the need to amend the Surrey Act 1985 to ensure that the rights over Norbury Park Estate (currently with the County Council, and wholly within Mole Valley) would sit with East Surrey Council.