Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025

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)