Steve Bax

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.

Extraordinary Meeting, Cabinet - Wednesday, 7 May 2025 2.30 pm

The Surrey County Council cabinet met to approve the final plan for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey, which proposes dividing the county into east and west unitary authorities, and to agree that Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of the Council, submits the plan to the government by the 9 May deadline. The cabinet also considered a report from the Council’s Select Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs group regarding devolution and LGR.

Cabinet - Tuesday, 22 April 2025 2.00 pm

The Surrey County Council cabinet met to discuss the adoption of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, the disposal of the former Chalk Pit Depot, and the month 11 financial report. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan was approved, as was the sale of the Chalk Pit Depot. The cabinet also approved a transfer of funds for waste infrastructure maintenance and a reimbursement to Waverley Borough Council.

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.

Extraordinary Meeting, Cabinet - Tuesday, 18 March 2025 2.30 pm

The Cabinet of Surrey County Council voted to approve an interim plan for local government reorganisation in Surrey, based around the creation of two new unitary authorities to replace the existing two-tier system of a county council and 11 district and borough councils. The Council's preferred model of two unitary authorities will now be submitted to the government for consideration, alongside an alternative proposal for a three-unitary model put forward by the boroughs and districts.