Edward Hawkins

Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 7 May 2025 10.00 am

At an extraordinary meeting, Surrey County Council voted to note a report on devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR), paving the way for the cabinet to decide whether to submit a final plan to the government. The final plan recommends a two unitary council model divided into east and west geographies. This model aims to unlock further devolution, streamline operations, enhance service delivery and unlock financial efficiencies.

Resources and Performance Select Committee - Wednesday, 2 April 2025 10.00 am

The Resources and Performance Select Committee met to discuss cabinet responses to select committee recommendations, performance monitoring, and the committee's forward work programme. The committee agreed to exclude the press and public to discuss a report relating to Ranger House, Guildford. They also discussed the impact of local government reform on the council's activities.

Planning and Regulatory Committee - Wednesday, 26 March 2025 10.30 am

The Planning and Regulatory Committee met on Wednesday 26 March 2025, and approved an application for the importation and re-injection of non-site derived produced water into Brockham Wellsite to support hydrocarbon production, subject to a legal agreement regarding HGV access. The committee also discussed two applications relating to Weydon Academy, but these were ultimately refused.

Council - Tuesday, 18 March 2025 10.00 am

The meeting began with a discussion of the future of local government in Surrey, with Councillor Tim Oliver, the Leader of the Council, and Councillor Catherine Powell, the Leader of the Opposition, outlining their differing perspectives. Councillor Oliver strongly advocated for the creation of two new Unitary Councils for Surrey, arguing that it would bring greater clarity, efficiency, and financial savings. Councillor Powell favoured three Unitary Councils, believing that it would deliver more localism and better reflect existing collaborations between boroughs. The meeting also touched on the growing debt issues in Woking and Spellthorne, prompting calls for government intervention. The Council then voted to submit its interim proposal on Local Government Reorganisation to the government.

Planning and Regulatory Committee - Wednesday, 26 February 2025 10.30 am

The Planning and Regulatory Committee unanimously approved applications SP22/01006/SCRVC and SP23/00160/SCC with informatives to be added in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and the local member. The applications concerned two sites, Manor Farm and Queen Mary Quarry, both in Laleham, Surrey.