John Robini

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.

Only needed if precept vetoed, Surrey Police and Crime Panel - Thursday, 20 February 2025 10.30 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

Budget Meeting, Council - Tuesday, 4 February 2025 10.00 am

The Council voted to adopt its budget for 2025/26, increasing Council Tax by the maximum permitted 4.99% and making £66 million in savings. The Council also noted the Memorandum of Understanding between Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Partnership and approved the revised Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference.

Budget Meeting, Surrey Police and Crime Panel - Monday, 3 February 2025 10.30 am

The Surrey Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the appointment of a co-opted independent member, the draft Police and Crime plan 2025-28, the Surrey Police group financial report, and the proposed Surrey Police precept for 2025-26. The panel approved the appointment of Mrs. Samantha Sheriff as a co-opted independent member. The draft Police and Crime plan was reviewed and debated, but not formally adopted, and a letter summarising the panel's views will be sent to the Police and Crime Commissioner by 8 February 2025. The panel noted the financial report, which showed a small underspend on revenue and a larger underspend on capital. The panel did not endorse the Police and Crime Commissioner's proposed precept of £14, but it also declined to veto it.