Tourist tax to boost Surrey finances?
Surrey’s two new unitary councils are considering a “tourism tax” to help buoy their finances amid major changes to local government in the area. This tax on overnight stays, which … Read More
Author: James Moules
Conservative Mayoral hopeful seeks ULEZ review
Surrey’s Conservative shadow authority opposition leaders have thrown their weight behind a London mayoral candidate’s pledge to review the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Braintree MP Sir James Cleverly resigned … Read More
Cyber security threats to Surrey’s local councils
Cyber security threats to local government remain a “significant strategic risk”, according to a report, with the creation of two new unitary councils posing “further complexity” to IT security. Guildford … Read More
Surrey health literacy warning
Nearly one in three working-age Surrey residents is not adequately health literate, a council committee report has warned. The report, which is due to be considered at a joint meeting … Read More
Tiers not shed for local government in Surrey after all….?
Surrey’s shadow authority leaders have insisted that devolution in the county must be “done right” after the government proposed beefed up new planning powers for mayors. Proposals due to be … Read More
The young have their place in new Surrey governing
Surrey’s youngest councillors want to see more young people get involved in local government – and not let growing hostility towards elected representatives deter them from standing. Elections to Surrey’s … Read More
Patient injuries quadruple in Surrey’s largest mental health trust area
This article has been amended to include statistics relating to the total number of patient restraint incidents across the trust in the relevant timeframes, and to clarify this number is … Read More
Reigate and Banstead goes a bit greener
The Green Party has won a crucial by-election in Reigate and Banstead that could impact the balance of power on the council. Nick Abear, who also serves on East Surrey … Read More
Water shortage risk drives Surrey farm plan for irrigation pond
An east Surrey farm is seeking permission to build a new irrigation pond, as climate change has made water supply a “major operational risk”. Reid Manor Farm Limited has put … Read More
Staines Ali G fans hope for Massiv support for statue
A petition has been launched calling for a statue celebrating Ali G to be installed in Staines – tying in with the release of his new film. The petitioners want … Read More
Debate not hate says East Surrey shadow authority
East Surrey councillors shared their experience of facing intimidation and harassment from voters as they debated a motion calling for civility in political discourse. At a meeting of the full … Read More
Burnham ‘commitment’ to Surrey devolution
East Surrey’s shadow council leader has welcomed Andy Burnham’s “strong commitment” to devolution as Surrey continues to take steps that could see the county get its own elected mayor. Speaking … Read More