Robert Hughes

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.

Resources and Performance Select Committee - Thursday, 4 December 2025 10.00 am

The Resources and Performance Select Committee met to discuss the draft budget for 2026-27, the workforce challenges related to local government reorganisation[^2] (LGR), and the council's investment strategy. The committee expressed concern about the potential impact of fair funding reform on Surrey's financial position and requested assurance that the budget makes adequate provision for the implementation costs of LGR. The committee also agreed to add a standing item to future meetings to cover LGR.

Extraordinary, Surrey Pension Fund Committee - Friday, 24 October 2025 10.00 am

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.

Council - Tuesday, 14 October 2025 10.00 am

The meeting of Surrey Council included discussion of the Surrey Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, questions from councillors to cabinet members, and briefings from cabinet members. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the minutes from previous meetings of the council and the cabinet.