Surrey County Council has established a critical new task force to reduce the impact of utility roadworks and drive better coordination and communication of works across Surrey’s road network.

Utility companies’ demands in Surrey are amongst the top five highest in the UK with 88 works starting every day in the last twelve months. In total, over 32,000 utility works have been undertaken across the county during this period, at a cost impact to Surrey residents of £35,424,225. 

Made up of representatives from water, energy and telecoms companies, the task force held their inaugural meeting last week and agreed five key areas of focus:

• Better coordination of roadworks across Surrey
• Working collaboratively to minimise disruption for residents
• Improved public communication by utility companies and improved on-site signage prior to works commencing and throughout
• Improved methods of sharing information, including online mapping of planned utility works
• Clearly defined escalation routes so that SCC can quickly hold utility companies to account.

Jonathan Hulley, Deputy Cabinet Member, Strategic Highways at Surrey County Council, said, “Whilst we recognise that works on the highway carried out by utility companies are necessary, these works are all too often impacting negatively on Surrey road users.

“This is a huge source of frustration for our residents, and we need to ensure that utility works are completed quicker, with better traffic management, better coordination, and better resident communication, which is why we have formed this vital task force. 

“Surrey County Council is working hard to improve over 100 roads as part of our £8.5m highways maintenance programme this Summer to help prevent potholes – the biggest ever surface dressing programme undertaken in the county.

“I thank all partners who attended the first meeting of the task force and I look forward to working together to drive real improvements and do all we can to reduce utility congestion on our busy road network.”

The task force will meet monthly to take this work forward.

More information on Surrey County Council’s responsibilities and utility companies roadworks is available on the Surrey County Council website.

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Epsom Library is being transformed as part of Surrey Libraries modernisation programme and residents are invited to drop in to give their views at the library on Tuesday 9^th July from 10am to 4pm. 

This is an opportunity to meet library staff, hear more about the improvements and give feedback on the designs for the library.   

A separate session especially for children, parents and carers will be held during Story-time from 10:15am to 10.45am. The designs will remain on display in the library for at least 2 weeks following the 9^th July, to provide an opportunity for further feedback.  

The library changes will include a fully flexible layout with space for events and performances; improved furniture and increased study space; new Super Access technology enabling out of hours use and multi-use meeting rooms. 

To enable initial set up works to be completed, the library will be closed from 5^th August for one week only. It will then re-open from the 12^th August within Epsom library’s learning centre, still within the Ebbisham Centre, which will be accessed via the cafe.  

Customers will be able to access a range of library items, along with computer workstations, printing and the popular Rhymetime and Story-time events, which will still run at a reduced capacity to suit the space.  

Work at the library will continue throughout 2024, until the expected final completion date of February 2025.  Any further short closures required will be well publicised before they take place. 

More information on Epsom Library changes will be found at the Epsom Library page.   

Tim Oliver, Conservative Leader of Surrey County Council and Rachael Wardell, Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning at Surrey County Council have both been awarded OBEs in The King’s Birthday Honours list 2024. Mr Oliver receives his Honour as Councillor and Leader for services to Local Government, and Rachael Wardell for services to children’s social care.

Commenting on his Honour, Tim Oliver said: “I’m delighted that the King recognises so many people’s contribution to public service in this way, and it’s an honour to receive an award. During the last six years as Leader of Surrey County Council nothing could have been achieved without the dedication and skill of those colleagues who put public service at the heart of everything they do. So, I’d like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported me, and to the people of Surrey who I’ve had the privilege of leading in this great county.”

Commenting on her Honour, Rachael Wardell said: “I was pleased and touched to be honoured in this way. As with any kind of public service, any of the achievements or successes attributed to me are really the work of dozens, if not hundreds of people, pulling together in the interests of children and their families, so I am grateful to all the teams I have been privileged to work with over the years whose skills and strengths are reflected in this recognition.”  

Joanna Killian, Chief Executive of the LGA and former Chief Executive of Surrey County Council, said: “I’m delighted to see that Tim has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. That recognition is hugely deserving for an exemplary and dedicated public servant. Tim is a shining example of the very best of local government leadership.”

“I’m also hugely proud of Rachael Wardell to be honoured with an OBE. Rachael has always been totally focused on delivering the very best for children under her care and Surrey is lucky to have such a strong and skilled Director of Children’s Services.”

In relation to Rachael’s OBE, Michael Coughlin, Interim Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said: “On behalf of everyone at Surrey County Council, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rachael. Her exceptional leadership and dedication to public service throughout her career has been unwavering.

“Rachael has played a critical role in the lives of children in a number of Councils, including at Surrey, which has been recognised in the award of this thoroughly deserved OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

In relation to Tim’s OBE, Simon Edwards, Chief Executive of the County Councils Network (CCN) said: “On behalf of the County Councils Network, I would like to congratulate Tim on this richly deserved honour; a recognition of his many achievements in a long career in local government.

“Having served on both Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council – becoming leader in 2017 – Tim has worked tirelessly to champion Surrey for over two decades. As chairman of the County Councils Network since 2021, Tim has been a strong advocate for improving local services for the 26m people who live in county and rural areas.”

Tim Oliver career history
Tim has been an Elmbridge Borough or Surrey County councillor for nearly 25 years. He took on the role of leader of Surrey County Council in 2018 at a challenging time for the organisation and embarked on a wholescale transformation project with the Chief Executive that has provided financial stability, leadership across Surrey and had a clear positive impact on residents.

Formerly CEO and then Deputy Chairman of a legal and professional services business, Tim was extensively involved in driving operational delivery and business development. He is a qualified solicitor and the author of three legal text books. 

He has held many non-executive roles including on a wide range of not-for-profit boards. Tim is actively involved in the Charity sector as Vice President and previous Chair of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and Chair of the Weybridge Land Charity.

He is currently the Chair of the County Councils Network and Chair of the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board.

Rachael Wardell career history
Rachael Wardell has held the position of Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning at Surrey County Council since 2020 and is currently also the Vice President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). In addition, Rachael is the Executive Director sponsor for Surrey County Council’s internal network for ethnically diverse staff.

Rachael has dedicated her career to helping those most in need with nearly 30 years of public service, having previously served as Director of Children’s Services in the London Borough of Merton, and as both Director of Children’s Services and Director of Adult Social Services at West Berkshire Council, and she also held posts at Wokingham Borough Council and Ofsted. Rachael’s background in children’s services began in Early Years inspection and regulation and one of her happy places will always be a daycare setting or a reception classroom.

Before becoming Vice President of ADCS in 2024, Rachael, at various times, was also a Board Member/Trustee of The Staff College, Skills for Care and Become (the charity for children in care and young care leavers). 

During her time at Surrey County Council, Rachael has driven significant improvement in children’s services which was recognised by Ofsted in a recent focused visit. Balancing the other professional demands on her, Rachael spends as much time as possible meeting children, families, schools and staff to hear their experiences and shape services with their best interests and outcomes at heart.

Image: Buckingham Palace licence details Tim Oliver and Rachael Wardell SCC

An exciting competition kicked off across Surrey on the 1^st June to encourage young people to celebrate ancient trees and have their artwork featured in a new children’s book, ‘The Thousand Year Tree’. Children aged between 4 and 11 years are encouraged to head to their local Surrey library to pick up a template and create artwork for the inside covers, known as ‘end papers’ of the new book. Any art medium can be used, and artwork should be themed around trees and nature.

As England’s most wooded county, Surrey is home to some of our nation’s oldest trees, many are over one thousand years old. To celebrate these trees, local author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey, are working with a group of children from Weyfield Primary Academy in Guildford. They have already been involved in a series of creative workshops, school assemblies and educational visits to Newlands Corner in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, to see the ancient yew trees. The children, guided by the experts will create poems and timelines charting the history of ancient trees which will culminate in the creation of a captivating Children’s Book. The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries as well as through additional local schools, inviting readers of all ages to learn about ancient trees and how to safeguard their future.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Surrey Hills Society said: “The Surrey Hills Society is delighted to be involved in this project, supported by a grant from the Surrey Hills Access for All fund. We are extremely grateful for the promotional support of the Surrey Library network. Being a part of the process of creating the book with both Lucy and Katie is inspirational and we very much look forward to seeing the final literary masterpiece. The Society is committed to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to discover and enjoy the Surrey Hills and we are proud to help Surrey’s children learn so much about our ancient trees and surrounding countryside.”

Carolyn McKenzie, Director of Environment at Surrey County Council said: “With creativity, education, and community spirit at its core, this project not only celebrates Surrey’s ancient trees but also fosters a deeper connection between young minds and the natural world, paving the way for a future generation of environmental stewards. This project highlights even more the importance of Surrey’s tree planting scheme, which will plant 1.2 million trees by 2030, the trees of today will become the ancient trees of the future leaving a lasting legacy.” 

Susan Wills MBE Assistant Director Arts, Culture, Heritage and Libraries at Surrey County Council said: “What a wonderful opportunity for children to take part in a creative reading project that  encourages learning about nature and Surrey’s ancient trees. Surrey is England’s most wooded county and this project is a wonderful opportunity to educate children in the vital role trees play, from providing habitats for wildlife to absorbing carbon dioxide! All fifty-two of our Surrey Libraries are taking part so wish all the participants the best of luck!”.

The competition runs from 1 June to 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library. Further details and terms and conditions are available on the Surrey Hills Society website, click here to find out how you can get involved.. 

The project is a collaborative effort between the Surrey Hills Society, Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey County Council, author Lucy Reynolds, illustrator Katie Hickey, Guildford Book Festival and The Old Dungate Press. With thanks to funding from the Surrey Hills Access for All fund, enabling everyone to love and protect Surrey’s National Landscape. 

Business Surrey – a new Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support to businesses across the county – has officially been launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt. 

From start-ups to longstanding SMEs, Surrey companies of all sizes, sectors and stages of their business journey can access expert support for no cost via a new website www.businesssurrey.co.uk. 

The Council developed the offer to coincide with the transfer of strategic powers to grow the economy previously held by the county’s two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). 

It means for the first time there is a single, co-ordinated business support offer for the whole of Surrey – something which is welcomed by local leaders. 

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey has a fantastic economic story to tell – with more than 100,000 businesses, a highly-skilled workforce and world-leading sectors helping generate more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy. 

“But we know there’s more that we can do – which is why I am delighted we have developed Business Surrey, providing a simple and easy way for companies of all sizes to access the support they need to grow. 

“By being in a position to support businesses from day one of being handed these functions from LEPs, we are ahead of the national curve – something which can only be positive for our 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.” 

Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey - such as targeted bespoke support for high growth companies, highlighting networking events, promoting the county’s innovative sectors, and hosting a live directory of more than 100 national and local initiatives. 

The new website also brings together of the business-facing aspects of the Council’s work, including trading standards, Greener Futures and Surrey Fire & Rescue. 

Business Surrey went live in April and was officially launched at Huskins in Godalming by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week (Friday May 17). 

Also speaking was Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council; Shahid Azeem, the High Sheriff of Surrey; and local tech entrepreneur Terence Naidu. 

Representatives from Surrey County Council, business groups, universities and the county’s 11 district and borough authorities were among those attending. 

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for South West Surrey, said: “Surrey is a fantastic place to do business. The innovation and ideas of its residents, combined with sector strengths in creative industries, and tech and life sciences, make it a pivotal region in driving growth for the whole of the UK. 

“That’s why it’s great to see Surrey County Council using the newly transferred powers formally held by LEPs to develop a clear offer to support businesses. 

“I would urge businesses at all stages of their journey to contact the Business Surrey team to access expert help and support.” 

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Growing the economy in a sustainable way is a priority for the Council, which can only be achieved by working and engaging with our fantastic business community.  

“Growth is not only good for business; it also generates opportunities for local people, supports investment in our communities, and improves the lives and wellbeing of our 1.2 million residents. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with our universities, businesses, and local authority partners to capitalise on our enhanced strategic economic role, as it is only through shared expertise that we stand the best chance of growing our economies.” 

As part of the launch, Surrey County Council has teamed up with Surrey Chambers of Commerce to hold a series of Business Surrey Roadshow events next month. 

The sessions will include practical ways for business owners to access support to grow their enterprises, as well as opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. 

The events take place on: 

• June 4 in Camberley – Login Lounge from 8am 
• June 6 in Egham – Royal Holloway, University of London from 6pm 
• June 13 in Horley – Langshott Manor Hotel from 8am 
• June 21 in Leatherhead – Fetcham Park House from 8am 

Pre-booking for the events is essential. Secure your space via the Business Surrey website – www.businesssurrey.co.uk/events. 

Image: Cllr Matt Furniss, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP and Cllr Tim Oliver at the launch of Business Surrey

Surrey Arts, part of Surrey County Council has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Surrey Music Hub from September 2024, as part of an ambitious national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.

Surrey Arts will receive £1.42 million in funding from the Department for Education to coordinate music education in the local area, plus an additional £469,000 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Surrey, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Surrey Arts will deliver high quality music education accessible to all children and young people in Surrey through diverse partnerships between educational, creative and community organisations in the local community and throughout the country.

The appointment is part of a major investment in a new generation of the nationwide network of Music Hubs. This investment will help to deliver the Government’s National Plan for Music Education, and give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical interests as far as they wish, including helping them to begin careers in the music industry.

Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said: “We are delighted that Surrey Arts, part of Surrey County Council will be able to continue its work in leading the music hub in Surrey. The music hub is a network of music organisations and schools working together to bring musical opportunities to young people. This funding will ensure that we are able to continue championing music and support thousands of young people across Surrey to experience the joy and pleasure of participating in musical activities.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “Music education is enormously powerful – it can enrich young people’s lives, help them connect with the people around them, and start them on the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling careers.  We are excited to announce this investment in a new generation of Music Hubs, which will support the brilliant work of our dedicated music teachers across the country, and help bring high-quality music education to even more children and young people in every part of England.”

Visit www.surreymusichub.com to find out more.

Notes to Editors

Surrey Music Hub is a network of music organisations and schools working together to bring more musical opportunities to children and young people in Surrey, both in schools and in the wider community. Led by Surrey Arts, the county council’s arts service, the Hub will act as an advocate for music education, encouraging participation in music across the county. They will work to ensure that children and young people from all backgrounds receive music education that is high quality, wide ranging, sustainable and accessible to all and that there are clear routes for progression. https://surreymusichub.com/

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk.

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Surrey County Council has worked with residents and community groups to plant over 36,000 new trees across the county. The council remains on track to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030, marking one for every resident.

Since the launch of the initiative in 2019, over 510,744 trees have now been planted across the county. This year, 1952 metres of new hedgerows have been planted during this year’s tree planting season, offering habitats for wildlife.

A range of community projects have also been undertaken to support our ambitions to improve air quality and biodiversity. These include:

• A group of 180 community members came together to plant over 7300 hedgerow trees at Bocketts Farm to support birds, mammals and other wildlife.
• 42 trees were donated to Bronzefield Women’s Prison in Ashford and the tree Planting and Establishment team delivered a workshop to those women who were undertaking horticultural qualifications.
• 2625 native broadleaf trees were planted in The Priory C of E School in Dorking using an experimental planting technique, Miyawaki/Tiny Forest. This technique of dense tree planting restores naturally occurring native species and speeds up natural ecological succession.

The new webpages have also been developed to include an interactive tree map, tree planting advice and tips for how residents can get involved. More details are available here.

Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, said, “I’m delighted that we are progressing our ambition to plant 1.2 million new trees in Surrey as we work to both meet net zero targets but also make our county as green and beautiful as possible.

“This is not something we can deliver alone and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to achieve this target. I encourage residents to visit our new webpages to find out how they can get involved.“

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Residents are being warned to be aware of online ticket scams that are catching out eager concert-goers ahead of the summer. 

Surrey Trading Standards is pleased to announce the launch of a campaign aimed at curbing event ticket fraud across both counties. With a number of residents falling victim to deceptive practices when purchasing event tickets online, this initiative seeks to protect residents from financial loss and disappointment. 

Event ticket fraud involves unscrupulous individuals exploiting the high demand for tickets to concerts, sporting events, and other popular attractions. Fraudulent practices include the sale of counterfeit tickets, non-existent tickets, and tickets with inflated prices. Such schemes not only result in financial losses for consumers but also tarnish the reputation of legitimate event organisers and venues. 

Surrey Trading Standards has already witnessed online scammers attempting to exploit people wanting to see concerts by Taylor Swift, and the Foo Fighters.  Future scams may include Glastonbury and sporting events such as Wimbledon and this summer’s Paris Olympics. 

Steve Ruddy, Head of Trading Standards at Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards said: “Music and sports fans are at risk of huge rises in online ticket fraud. Criminal activity selling fake tickets is becoming more and more prevalent online and we urge people to avoid disappointment by being cautious when purchasing tickets for all sporting and music events. 

“Ticket fraud not only harms consumers financially but also undermines trust in the marketplace. Our campaign aims to empower our residents with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed ticket purchases. By raising awareness, we can create a safer environment for consumers to enjoy live events across Buckinghamshire, Surrey and beyond.” 

Tips for purchasing event tickets online 

• Only buy direct from legitimate ticket sites 
• Always use a debit or credit card when you buy tickets online (not bank transfer). This helps to protect your money should something go wrong 
• Be extra cautious when purchasing tickets advertised by individuals on social media Fraudsters use social media to advertise tickets that don’t exist. If you’re looking for a ticket, always search for it yourself from a trusted source 
• Low prices and seemingly great deals are often used to disguise scams. However, if demand for tickets is high or an event is sold out, fraudsters can charge more to trick desperate buyers 
• Check the details of the site you are buying from and before entering payment ensure the web address starts with https and that there’s a padlock icon in the browser bar 
• Check the vendor is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) 

Residents are encouraged to report their concerns about event ticket fraud to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. The helpline takes all enquiries on behalf of Trading Standards across England and Wales and will pass the report to the relevant Trading Standards team.   

Alternatively, if you have been a victim and lost money, please report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has changed the way it now responds to automatic fire alarm call outs (AFAs) to residential and domestic properties, by only attending if there’s been a 999 call to confirm there is a fire or signs of fire. 

This change, introduced last month, covers AFAs at properties including hotels, boarding schools, care homes and any other residential types, including those that contain single private dwellings.  

98% of the residential and domestic AFA call outs that Surrey Fire and Rescue Service attended from October 2022-March 2023 were false alarms. These accounted for 976 mobilisations – that’s more than 5 fire engines a day being sent out on blue lights to false alarms where there isn’t a fire.  

This change is the second phase of work, after making the switch in 2022 and only attending non-sleeping business calls when a fire is confirmed. Since then, false alarm visits have decreased by over 95%.   

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service would like to reassure residents that nothing is changing in their response to a real fire. Only now, the call handlers will ask a series of questions designed to determine the nature of the call and whether there is a fire, or signs of fire, and depending on the response received, crews may still attend to investigate the reason for the AFA.  

Group Commander and project lead for the change, Rob Jenks said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe, and if there’s a fire, or signs of a fire, we will always respond immediately.   

“After successfully making the switch for business AFA call outs in 2022, this new change is another positive step for our communities. We spend many hours and resources on responding to false alarms, and now, our crews and pumps will be more readily available when there’s a confirmed emergency.”  

If at any time you discover signs of fire, raise the alarm, get out using the nearest fire exit and call 999.  

For residents responsible for these types of premises, the service is urging you to visit their dedicated webpage for more information and advice on how to investigate an automatic fire alarm activation, and steps you can take to make your property as safe as possible.  

Please visit: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/community/fire-and-rescue/community-safety/automatic-fire-alarms to find out more about how this will affect you or your property.  

Surrey County Council has appointed Terence Herbert as its new Chief Executive.

Terence, currently Chief Executive at Wiltshire Council, was chosen after a robust recruitment process to find a replacement for Joanna Killian.

Subject to formal ratification at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on 9 April 2024, Terence is expected to take over as Chief Executive in the summer.

Leader of Surrey County Council Tim Oliver said:“Terence is an outstanding leader bringing over 25 years of local government experience to the role, and it is excellent news that he will be joining us.

“Under his leadership, Wiltshire is regarded as a strong local authority – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – with sound finances and a high-performing workforce. 

“I am certain that he will be a tremendous asset to Surrey and is the right person to lead us as we face the challenges ahead.”

Terence said:“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chief Executive of Surrey County Council. I’m looking forward to working with the leader, Members, staff and our partners to build on Surrey’s significant track record and lead the organisation through the next stage of its transformation in what continues to be a challenging time for local government.  

“Having spent much of my earlier career in children’s services and mental health, I am passionate about delivering quality services for the most vulnerable residents across our communities. I know the importance of retaining a motivated and ambitious workforce with a focus on celebrating the success of our staff, so this is an area that will be a key priority for me.”

Terence joined Wiltshire Council in 2011, where he was appointed Chief Executive in June 2020. Prior to this he held a number of senior leadership roles including Head of Service for Safeguarding, Associate Director for Children’s Services, Executive Director for Children & Families, Leisure & Communities, Corporate Services and HR & Organisational Development, and Chief Executive Officer for People.

Terence began his career as a Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and then qualified as a social worker, taking up posts in children’s services at the London Borough of Lewisham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and North Somerset Council.

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Surrey chief moves on after 6 years

County CEO’s pay rise triggering strikes?

Families set to benefit from new short breaks accommodation being built in Woking helped mark the official start of work at a milestone groundbreaking ceremony.

The purpose-built £5.7m facility will enable autistic people and those with learning disabilities to enjoy new experiences while their families take a break from caring. It’s part of Surrey County Council’s drive to create the right homes with the right support for people who need it and represents a major investment in specialist accommodation to help people achieve greater independence.

Enjoying some early spring sunshine, families were joined at the site in Goldsworth Park by representatives from the county council as well as architects AtkinsRealis and contractors Neilcott Construction. Also marking the occasion were Woking MP Jonathan Lord and representatives from Woking Borough Council and local community organisations.

The new accommodation on the site of the old Lakers Youth Centre will provide eight ensuite bedrooms as well as a sensory room, a communal lounge / dining room and landscaped gardens. It will provide the first such service in this part of the county and will ultimately add almost 2,500 nights of additional short breaks capacity per year for adults with additional and complex needs.

Guests will be able to enjoy new opportunities, make friends, gain new skills and connect with their communities during short stays without their family carers, who will be able to take some time away from their caring responsibilities to focus on their own wellbeing.

The event on March 14 marked the first ‘spade in the ground’ for an ambitious county council strategy which aims to deliver more than 1,400 units of specialist accommodation for adults with support needs across Surrey, including the redevelopment of another short breaks site in Banstead. Supported independent living accommodation for those with learning difficulties and mental health needs is also part of the plan, as well as extra care housing for older residents which will have support workers on hand if needed.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers across Surrey do an amazing job in ensuring that their loved ones can continue to live in their own homes, but it can take a toll on even the most dedicated partner or relative. The new accommodation will represent a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide the person being cared for with the support they need, while offering their carer the chance to recharge their batteries by taking a break themselves.

“We’re delighted to have broken ground and eagerly await the opening of the new accommodation next year. We want our residents to be able to live their best lives and our ambitious building programme to provide the right homes with the right support will help us achieve that.” 

Natalie Bramhall, cabinet member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure said; “We’re pleased to have broken ground on the site in Goldsworth Park. The site of this new short breaks service is one of many projects being delivered by our Land & Property Capital Programme team in partnership with Adult Social Care to help people stay independent, safe and well so they can live the lives they want.”

The star of the day was Jodie, a potential future user of the centre who currently visits the council’s short breaks service in Banstead.

After watching an architectural ‘flythrough’ video of the new accommodation alongside assembled guests, Jodie’s mum Jean, voiced her approval: “The one thing you want from a respite centre is to know that your children – young adults – are secure, safe & happy.” She further explained: ”Having respite breaks is absolutely a ‘must’ for parents and to have a facility that’s been purpose built… is totally invaluable.”

Andrea, mum to Brandan, who also currently attends the service in Banstead, added: “Brandan needs 24-hour care seven days a week – it does not stop for us as parents – and this will be an invaluable service so near to our home. But it’s not only for us, it’s about Brandan. We want him to feel it’s like a holiday. We can be happy and relaxed knowing that he is happy.”

_{Image: (left to right) Jonathan Lord MP, Jodie, Jodie’s Mum Jean, and Cllr Sinead Mooney}

Businesses will be at the heart of Surrey’s economic growth as they are set to benefit from a single strategic vision and leadership for the Surrey economy as part of the transfer of formal powers to Surrey County Council. 

From April, the Council will take up the key functions currently held by the county’s two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Enterprise M3 and Coast to Capital. 

The change will see the council lead on an enhanced oversight and delivery role in driving sustainable economic growth across the county. It will absorb formal responsibilities to deliver business support through the new Surrey-wide Growth Hub and deliver government funded programmes focused on skills.

The areas covered by Coast to Capital on the left and Enterprise M3 on the right:

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth at Surrey County Council said: “Surrey has a great economic story to tell. We’re the UK’s leading regional economy, with more than 100,000 businesses which generate more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy.

“We know there is huge potential to grow this further – through targeted support to key sectors, and through working with employers, training providers and local residents to create a high-quality skilled workforce for the future. 

“I very much welcome the transfer of these powers into Surrey County Council.  

“It will mean for the first time we will have one organisation who, together with a strong independent business voice, will provide a clear, coherent and comprehensive approach to developing a strong sustainable economy. This is positive for business and for residents. 

“I want to thank the government for hearing our case and also to our partners in the LEPs for working with us to ensure there is a seamless transfer of service at the start of April.” 

Surrey has historically been divided across two LEP boundaries – Enterprise M3 operating in the west of the county and Coast to Capital in the east – which has presented challenges in terms of strategic coherence and created confusion for local businesses.  

In March 2023, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget statement announced the intention to integrate LEP functions into upper tier local authorities. 

Aware of the positive impacts that could have for Surrey, the County Council took steps to engage early with partners to ensure it was ready to absorb and deliver these functions from the point of transfer. 

A report discussed and agreed by the Council’s Cabinet on 27th February acknowledged the move could have a range of positive benefits for local businesses and residents including: 

• Setting a single economic vision for the county, ensuring Surrey-wide solutions are developed to support local economic growth. 
• The development of a new Surrey business brand and website to make it easier for businesses to know where to access the right information, advice and guidance.    
• The creation of a Surrey Growth Hub service to provide universal signposting support for business, as well as targeted interventions to help eligible local businesses in their journey to becoming high-growth. 
• The creation of a Surrey Careers Hub (launched in September 2023), which delivers a range of activities focused on ensuring schools and colleges can help young people take their next best step. 
• Improved join-up and efficiencies with existing council services and teams. 
• Greater democratic accountability for decision-making related to local economic growth, that will be informed by a strong, independent, and diverse private sector voice. 
• Future government funding to support local growth will now be focused on the whole of Surrey, instead of it being spread across larger regional areas.     

Further announcements will be made in the coming months regarding the launch of the new Surrey business brand, website, and Surrey Growth Hub.