Nick Harrison

Surrey Pension Fund Committee - Friday, 21 March 2025 11.00 am

The Committee discussed a range of issues relating to the Surrey Pension Fund. These included local government reorganization, the MySurrey IT system, the climate change commitments of BP, and a new Conflicts of Interest Policy. The Committee also reviewed performance of the Fund and its investment managers, and noted an actuarial report on the Fund's cash flows. They approved a new communications and training policy, and the annual budget.

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.

Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board - Thursday, 6 February 2025 10.30 am

The Board noted the content of all of the reports presented at the meeting. The Board also agreed that at their next meeting they would be provided with details of the County Council's response to the Home Office's consultation on member contributions, and that they would receive a presentation on the County Council's finances.

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.

Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 8 January 2025 10.00 am

Surrey Council agreed to respond to the Government's request to participate in a joint devolution and local government reorganisation programme. This acceptance will likely mean that the 2025 County Council elections will be postponed. The Council also noted that the decision to respond to the government's letter was an executive decision for the Leader of the Council to make.