The Surrey County Council Cabinet met on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, approving significant funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) capital programmes, and endorsing the Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27. The meeting also saw the adoption of a revised Gypsy and Traveller Plot Allocation Policy and the approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Capital Programmes

Cabinet approved the allocation of £26,878,636 in Department for Education (DfE) funding towards Surrey's SEND and AP Capital Programmes. This funding includes £8,100,000 from the DfE alternative places grant, intended to create additional specialist places in West Surrey for pupils with complex Autistic Spectrum Conditions, and £18,778,636 from the High Needs Provision Capital Grant 2026/27. The latter will be split between East and West Surrey on a 45% and 55% basis, respectively, mirroring the methodology used by the DfE for national allocations. These funds will be used to deliver projects aimed at creating specialist places for the academic year 2027/28. Cabinet also endorsed the continued delivery of approved SEND and AP Programmes, with project budgets set to transfer to the new Unitary Authorities on 1 April 2027. Authority was delegated to officers to finalise legal contracts and agreements.

The Youth Justice Plan

The Cabinet agreed to the 2026/27 Youth Justice Plan, recommending its approval by the full Council on 13 October 2026. This annual plan is a statutory requirement and has been developed in line with national guidance from the Youth Justice Board. The plan focuses on prevention, diversion, and keeping children out of the formal justice system where safe and appropriate, reflecting a child-first approach. Key priorities include reducing re-offending and first-time entrants, addressing serious youth violence, tackling disproportionality, improving education outcomes, and strengthening victim support. The plan is fully funded within the 2026/27 budget and confirmed Youth Justice Board grant.

Surrey's Local Transport Plan – Delivery Plan (LTDP)

Cabinet adopted a mixed capital investment approach for the remaining consolidated Local Transport Grant (LTG) and Active Travel Capital funding, as outlined in the draft LTDP March 2026 submission. They also approved the submission of the Local Transport Delivery Plan to the Department for Transport (DfT) by the required deadline. Delegated authority was recommended for minor changes to Local Authority Bus Grant allocations, subject to Enhanced Partnership Board agreement. Cabinet noted that the 2026/27 Highways Maintenance Capital Grant, including a £5.17 million allocation from the LTG, had already been approved. The report also highlighted ongoing requirements to comply with new DfT delivery, performance, and assurance requirements, and noted that future funding splits between the new East and West Surrey Councils are still being finalised.

Approval to Implement Revised Gypsy and Traveller Plot Allocation Policy and Supporting Documentation

Cabinet approved the revised Gypsy and Traveller Plot Allocation Policy and the associated Site Application Form. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director of Resources, and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, to implement and make minor operational amendments to the policy. Further delegation was given to the Director of Land and Property to administer the allocation framework and approve future operational amendments that do not materially alter Council policy. The revised framework aims to provide a transparent, evidence-based, and auditable process for allocating plots and managing waiting lists, developed in response to Ombudsman findings and a full review of existing arrangements.

Monthly Budget Monitoring

Cabinet noted the Council's forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year as at 31 July 2026 (Month 4). A forecast revenue overspend of £12.3 million was reported, with the majority attributed to Children, Families and Lifelong Learning. Mitigation measures totalling £7.1 million have been identified, which, if delivered, would reduce the forecast overspend to £5.2 million. Cabinet approved increases to the capital budgets for the A308 corridor improvement project (£3.1m), the Cheyne Walk children's home adaptation (£2.1m), and the Ewell Village improvement project (£0.8m), all to be funded by additional grant income. The report also detailed the forecast for the High Needs Block, which was projecting an overspend of £145.2 million, and noted the expected receipt of £205 million from the Government's High Needs Stability Grant.

Leader / Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member/ Strategic Investment Board Decisions Taken Since the Last Cabinet Meeting

Cabinet noted the delegated decisions taken since its last meeting, as detailed in Annex 1 of the decision record.

Cabinet Member of the Month

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, Cllr Matt Furniss, provided an update on his portfolio. Key highlights included the continued expansion of zero-emission buses, with 34 hydrogen buses and 32 additional electric buses now in operation. Bus patronage had risen by nearly 10% to 29.1 million journeys. Significant progress was reported on road safety, with 14 collision reduction schemes delivered and 21 schemes implemented under the 20mph programme. The highways resurfacing programme had covered nearly 70 miles of road, with extensive weather-related repairs also undertaken. On economic growth, £31 million of funding was being utilised to support local businesses and residents, with over £3.5 million awarded in grants to 60 businesses, supporting job creation and new product development. The Adult Skills Fund had allocated over £10 million to 26 providers, delivering over 21,000 learning programmes. Employment initiatives, including Skills Bootcamps and Connect to Work, had supported hundreds of residents into training and employment.

Reports from Select Committees, Task Groups and Other Committees of the Council

Cabinet noted the Select Committee report and the Cabinet response regarding the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision Capital Programmes. They also noted the Cabinet response to the Resources and Performance Select Committee's report on the Transition of Critical IT Systems.

Public Questions

Three public questions were addressed. Gen Dearman inquired about the Council's approach to identifying and communicating the difference between commissioned charity services and their full cost, particularly where charities rely on voluntary fundraising. The response indicated that commissioning functions use recognised tools for fair funding, with mechanisms in place to review provider concerns. A refreshed Surrey Compact and VCSE Commissioning Framework are being developed to enhance transparency and understanding of cost pressures. Mary Margetson asked about the Council's steps to ensure all outstanding debts owed to third-sector organisations are settled before vesting day. The response confirmed the intention to clear all debts before vesting day, with a process in place for any remaining outstanding payments. Bob Higham asked if the Council would adhere to the Commons Act 2006 when undertaking works on common land. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning confirmed that officers would follow all relevant guidance and legislation.