Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 27, 2026

Purpose: As part of our proposals submitted to government for 2 unitary councils, we committed to sustaining community engagement and maintaining a strong voice for local communities. Following direction from government to hardwire local community engagement within the new local authority arrangements, a pilot programme has been underway since July 2025 in 4 areas across Surrey, working with partners on a strengthened community engagement model through the development of Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs). This report provides an evaluation of the pilot programme and recommendations for next steps.

Content: RESOLVED:   That Cabinet notes the progress that has been made to establish four pilot Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs) using a ‘test, learn and grow’ approach and the learning from the evaluation. That Cabinet endorses the NAC model as a way of embedding community engagement into local government with key sector partners. That Cabinet agrees to the recommendations set out in this report to; Continue the four pilot Neighbourhood Area Committees where partners are supportive, up until the pre-election period in 2026 Take steps to actively share the learning from the pilot evaluation with partners across Surrey, including the new Shadow Authorities once established in May 2026 Consider the potential to expand the pilot to one or two further areas from May 2026 onwards and develop the operational mechanisms to broaden representation from non-political resident associations, civic groups and voluntary sector That Cabinet support the delivery of the emerging NAC action plans.   Reasons for Decisions:   By agreeing to continue existing NAC pilots we will build further evidence on how the NAC model can work most effectively through to the Shadow Authorities being elected in May 2026. It will also ensure continued momentum with stakeholders who have given time and resources to be involved in testing this approach.   Engagement with Shadow Authorities, once established, will provide them with a strong foundation to build on their community engagement approaches and ensure continuity where possible through the transition of the LGR process.   (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)