Victor Lewanski

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.

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.

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday, 12 March 2025 10.00 am

The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss a range of topics. They decided not to commission reviews of the council's governance and finances. They were satisfied that the actions from the previous audit on tree management have been completed, and accepted the External Auditors' Annual Report 2023/24, including the value for money conclusion. They approved the Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Plan for 2025/26. They noted the progress on Social Value in Procurement, and the updated Code of Corporate Governance. They also noted the decision of statutory officers to continue with the existing Officer Gifts and Hospitality Policy, but to require an annual nil return from senior officers. They agreed to defer approval of a new approach to publishing Members' home addresses on the register of interests, pending further discussion with political groups. Finally, they approved general dispensations for all members relating to Local Government Reorganisation and the approval of budgets and setting of council tax precepts.

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.