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Cabinet - Tuesday, 21 April 2026 2.00 pm
April 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Surrey County Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial health, climate action strategies, and essential school maintenance. Key decisions included the approval of a Community Asset Transfer policy, the endorsement of strategic recommendations for climate action, and the allocation of capital funding for critical roof repairs at Pond Meadow School and fire safety works at The Winston Churchill School.
Financial Health and Local Government Reorganisation
Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor David Lewis, presented a robust financial update, highlighting a projected underspend of £0.2 million for the 2025/26 revenue budget and an overall efficiency over-achievement of £3.7 million. He strongly refuted any suggestions of the council being in financial difficulty, emphasizing the council's healthy financial position, evidenced by unqualified audits and responsible debt management. The meeting also received an update on the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, with the Implementation Team having completed the initial foundational work for the transition to two new unitary councils for East and West Surrey by April 2027. An Expression of Interest for a Foundation Strategic Authority was submitted to the government, aiming to enhance strategic leadership and potentially pave the way for mayoral devolution in the future.
Climate Action and Community Assets
The Cabinet endorsed the Strategic Recommendations for Climate Action,
a high-level roadmap designed to guide the new unitary authorities in developing their climate change strategies. This evidence-based document, informed by extensive public engagement, outlines eight goals to reduce carbon emissions while delivering tangible benefits such as warmer homes, improved health, and economic growth. Councillor Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, stressed the importance of partnership and community involvement in achieving these goals. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy, establishing a framework for transferring council-owned land and buildings to eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver demonstrable public benefit. This policy aims to empower communities, promote sustainable service delivery, and maximise the long-term value of public assets.
School Maintenance and Transport Policies
Significant capital funding was approved for essential maintenance and safety works at several schools. This included the installation of a new roof covering and drainage improvements at Pond Meadow School in Guildford, crucial for maintaining a safe and dry learning environment for its 200 autistic pupils. Funding was also approved for replacement curtain walling and fire stopping works at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, addressing critical fire safety risks. Furthermore, extensive internal and external refurbishment works were approved for Oakwood Secondary School in Horley, addressing long-standing issues with its aging buildings to ensure a safe learning environment for its growing pupil population. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement, aiming to improve clarity, fairness, and consistency in decision-making for post-16 learners, particularly those with SEND and from low-income families, while also managing financial sustainability.
Other Key Discussions
The Cabinet also noted delegated decisions taken since the last meeting and received an update on the 2025/26 financial position at Month 11. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the council's financial health, with Councillor Lewis reiterating the council's sound financial standing and responsible management of its budget and debt.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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2025/26 Month 11 (February) Financial Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Surrey Council decided to note the Council's forecast revenue and capital budgets for the year on 21/04/2026. The report indicated a forecast underspend of £0.2m against the revenue budget and a forecast capital expenditure of £294.1m, which was £4.6m less than the re-phased budget.
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Community Asset Transfer Policy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Surrey Cabinet approved the Community Asset Transfer Policy on 21 April 2026. The policy establishes a framework for transferring council assets to community organisations. The Director of Land and Property, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, is delegated authority to make decisions and agree terms for these transfers.
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The Winston Churchill School- Replacement Curtain Walling & Fire Stopping Works
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Surrey Council on Tuesday 21 April 2026 approved recommendations. The decision was recorded as Exempt Minute E-05-26.
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Devolution And Local Government Reorganisation Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Surrey Council decided to note the latest developments of Surrey's Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation programme and the Expression of Interest for a Foundation Strategic Authority in Surrey submitted to government on 20th March 2026.
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Pond Meadow School Main Building Roof Replacement
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey County Council Cabinet approved capital funding for roofing works at Pond Meadow School on 21/04/2026. The Cabinet approved the allocation of capital funding from the Schools Capital Maintenance Budget for 2026/27 and the appointment of the contractor currently building the new SEND teaching block. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), and the Director of Land and Property to award contracts within a budgetary tolerance of up to +5%.
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Strategic Recommendations for Climate Action
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved the Strategic Recommendations for Climate Action on 21/04/2026. They also delegated authority for further iteration of these recommendations and supplementary technical documents to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment.
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Approval Of Post- 16 Transport Policy Statement -2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the revised Post-16 Transport Policy Statement on 21/04/2026. This included approving revised annual contribution rates of £689.67 for eligible low-income learners and £951.12 for all other learners, and approving the updated Post 16 Independent Travel Allowance structure with expanded mileage bands up to 40–50 miles. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning to make minor changes to the policy as required.
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The Winston Churchill School- Replacement Curtain Walling & Fire Stopping Works
Recommendations ApprovedSurrey County Council Cabinet approved the allocation of capital funding for fire safety works at The Winston Churchill School on 21 April 2026. Cabinet also approved modification to the current contract to include an increased contract value and an extension to its term. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director of Resources, and Section 151 Officer to authorise a Deed of Variation with the contractor.
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