The Surrey County Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, approving a new School Organisation Plan for the next decade and endorsing amendments to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy. The Cabinet also agreed to commission statutory school improvement services, with a preferred option to continue with SAfE subject to their achieving Teckal compliance, and a contingency plan for in-house delivery.

School Organisation Plan 2026

The Cabinet endorsed the School Organisation Plan 2026-2036, which outlines how Surrey County Council will ensure sufficient high-quality school places across the county over the next ten years. This plan forecasts pupil numbers, identifies areas of demographic change, and outlines necessary capital investment. Councillor Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, presented the plan, highlighting that it underpins the council's statutory duty to provide sufficient school places and aligns with wider reforms including SEND sufficiency planning and local government reorganisation. The plan will now be referred to the Council for approval and publication.

Approval of Home to School Travel Assistance (Under 16) Defined Set of Proposed Amendments

The Cabinet approved targeted amendments to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy (Under 16s), effective from September 2026. These changes aim to clarify definitions, reflect new legal requirements, and ensure more consistent decision-making. Key amendments include clarifying the nearest school eligibility, specifying that distances will be measured by walking route, and reworking the section on Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) and Alternative Provision to enhance transparency for families. The policy will also clarify that all vehicles used for home-to-school transport with more than 22 passengers must be Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) compliant, and that parents and carers cannot appeal if a spare seat is unavailable. Councillor Clack explained that these changes are necessary to meet statutory duties and align with national guidance, including updates on Free School Meal eligibility and PSVAR requirements. Councillor David Lewis, Chair of the Home to School Transport Oversight Board, supported the proposals, noting significant improvements in service satisfaction and cost-effectiveness over recent years.

Commissioning of Statutory School Improvement Services

The Cabinet agreed on the future delivery arrangements for Surrey County Council's statutory school improvement services. The preferred option is to award a new contract to a Teckal-compliant SAfE organisation, contingent on SAfE achieving Teckal compliance by 31 July 2026. If SAfE fails to meet this deadline, statutory school improvement services will be transferred in-house from September 2026. Councillor Helyn Clack presented the report, explaining that this approach provides a stable transitional arrangement during Local Government Reorganisation while ensuring a legally compliant contingency plan. The current contract with SAfE will be extended for up to four months to facilitate the implementation of the new compliant delivery structure. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning to manage the process, including reviewing SAfE's business plan or consulting on the TUPE transfer of staff for in-house delivery.

Adult Skills Funding Awards – Delegation of Decisions

Cabinet agreed to delegate authority for approving adult skills funding awards. Projects up to £100,000 will be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, while projects over £100,000 will be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Economic Growth, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place. Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, highlighted that this delegation is necessary to ensure timely distribution of devolved adult education funding and to improve efficiency while maintaining democratic accountability.

Disposal of Sunray Farm, 59 Woodmansterne Lane, Carlshalton, Coulsdon

The Cabinet formally declared Sunray Farm surplus to operational requirements and approved its disposal by auction. Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, explained that the vacant 25-acre site, located in the London Borough of Sutton, is not income-generating and incurs holding costs. Previous tenancy negotiations failed due to the condition of the property, and security concerns have led to damage. The decision to sell by auction was made due to issues surrounding security and condition. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with relevant officers and Councillor Bramhall, to finalise the transaction.

Disposal of Park Lodge, Dorking

Park Lodge in Dorking was formally declared surplus to operational requirements and approved for freehold sale. Councillor Bramhall stated that the asset is vacant, incurs holding costs, and requires significant capital expenditure to make it fit for occupation. Following an unsolicited offer, the property, comprising 11,850 sq ft of office accommodation, will be sold subject to conditions noted in the part 2 report. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Land and Property, to finalise the transaction.

Capital Maintenance Delivery Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Capital Maintenance Delivery Strategy and the programme of projects for 2026/27, funded from the Recurring Capital Maintenance budget for Education and Corporate assets. Councillor Bramhall emphasised the strategy's importance in maintaining the property estate's condition, ensuring health and safety compliance, and improving energy efficiency. The strategy includes a review of the 2026/27 programme and operational improvements to enhance cost certainty and governance. Procurement of construction partners was also approved, with delegated authority for contract authorisation and award.

2026/27 Financial Performance Report - April 2026 (Month 1)

Councillor David Lewis, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the financial performance report for the first month of the financial year. The report noted net risks of £23.2 million, primarily within Children's Services and Adults' directorates, and opportunities totalling £1.8 million. The Cabinet approved an increase in the net revenue budget to £1,267.0 million due to additional funding from the Final Local Government Finance Settlement. The capital budget was also noted to have increased to £323.1 million following the approval of additional projects and carry-forwards. Specific approvals included the allocation of the Crisis & Resilience Fund to the Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships Directorate, the reallocation of £1.68 million for the demolition of former care home sites, and a £1.5 million contribution to the Sanway-Byfleet Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Securing A Foundation Strategic Authority For Surrey

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Tim Oliver OBE, provided a verbal update on the pathway to securing a Foundation Strategic Authority for Surrey. He explained the ongoing process of local government reorganisation and the potential for mayoral devolution. Councillor Oliver stated that the council did not have a democratic mandate to oppose the creation of a Foundation Strategic Authority, which would come into being on vesting day when Surrey County Council ceases to exist. He expressed the view that moving forward with these conversations would position Surrey favourably for a mayoral election in May 2028 and secure benefits for residents. The government has indicated support for Surrey moving forward with an FSA, offering £250,000 per annum in funding. The Cabinet noted the update, with the understanding that the two new unitary authorities would be writing a joint letter to the Minister regarding their intentions.

The meeting also noted delegated decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting and received an update from Councillor Natalie Bramhall as Cabinet Member of the Month. Reports from the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee on the Independent Practice Review and SEND Sufficiency and Unmet Need were also noted, with responses to be provided at the next Cabinet meeting.