Catherine Powell

Extraordinary Meeting, Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee - Monday, 15 December 2025 1.00 pm

The Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee of Surrey Council are scheduled to discuss a serious case review regarding the death of 'Sarah', and the annual report of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership [^2].

Council - Tuesday, 9 December 2025 10.00 am

The Surrey County Council met to discuss the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans, address the findings of the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review regarding the death of Sara Sharif, and consider various committee reports and member questions. The council approved the creation of a single-purpose pension authority for the Surrey Pension Fund, supported a motion to seek clarity from the government on debt issues in Woking and Spelthorne, and passed a motion to scrutinise the review into the death of Sara Sharif. A motion regarding the abolition of Healthwatch organisations was also supported.

Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee - Thursday, 4 December 2025 2.00 pm

The Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee met to discuss budget proposals for 2026-27, the short breaks budget, and other performance and strategic issues. The committee agreed to recommendations that the consultation on short breaks include data gathering on the impact of previous cuts, and that alternative funding sources for the voluntary sector be explored. The committee also expressed concerns about pressures on the directorate due to inflation and increased demand, and about the lack of specialist school places to meet the needs of children and young people in Surrey.

Farnham Board - Friday, 31 October 2025 10.00 am

The Farnham Board of Surrey Council met on Friday 31 October 2025. The board was scheduled receive an overview of progress made on various projects, and to discuss the future of the Brightwells Gostrey Centre project. They were also scheduled to discuss the Farnham Infrastructure Programme.

Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee - Thursday, 16 October 2025 10.00 am

The Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee met to discuss early help, corporate parenting, children's homes, and preparing for adulthood. The committee made several recommendations, including a call for a joint data and document management strategy for children's and adult social care, and expressed concern that there was no timeline for a final decision on whether a dedicated 16 to 18 service would be established. The committee also heard updates on Ofsted inspections of children's homes, and discussed performance data related to children's services.