Controlling coaching tactics shatter athletes’ wellbeing, says new study

Controlling coaching styles disrupt athletes leaving them vulnerable to physical and psychological strain, according to a new study from the University of Surrey and the Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada.

This exposes a critical flaw in current sporting culture that prioritises results over athlete welfare. The research argues that coaches who micromanage and belittle athletes are fuelling both acute stress and burnout in their teams.

The study, published in Motivation and Emotion, tracked 72 student-athletes from Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, using daily diaries to capture their experiences and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements to assess their stress responses. This combination of psychological and physiological data provides a comprehensive picture of how coaching behaviours seep into athletes’ daily experiences, affecting their motivation and mental state. Researchers analysed how athletes perceived their coaches’ behaviour and then linked these perceptions to both their psychological needs (satisfaction or frustration) and their psychobiological health.

Autonomy-supportive coaches – those encouraging choice and collaboration – boosted athletes’ mental resilience. In contrast, controlling tactics like public criticism and arbitrary punishments spiked acute stress and eroded long-term wellbeing.

Dr Sebastiano Massaro, Associate Professor of Organizational Neuroscience and co-author of the study at the University of Surrey said:

“It’s heart-breaking to see how these controlling tactics, often masked as ‘discipline’ or ‘tough love’, are fundamentally damaging our athletes.”

Florence Jauvine, at the Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, added:

“We’re not just talking about hurt feelings; we’re seeing measurable increases in stress and burnout that can have long-term consequences for their careers and their lives.”

The research highlights a crucial counterpoint: when coaches support athletes’ autonomy – giving them choices, acknowledging their perspectives, and encouraging their growth – it fuels their psychological needs, leading to greater engagement and acting as a buffer against burnout. The data shows a powerful connection between autonomy-supportive coaching, need satisfaction, and positive athlete outcomes.

Dr Sebastiano Massaro continued:

“We urge sporting organisations and governing bodies to implement urgent changes. This includes mandatory training for coaches at all levels, focusing on autonomy support and the detrimental effects of controlling behaviours. A shift in emphasis is required, moving away from a win-at-all-costs mentality towards a model that prioritises the holistic well-being of athletes.”

Sutton & Epsom 49 – Harlow 19. Saturday 10th May

A great deal of credit must be given to Papa Johns for their contribution to grassroots sport. Sutton & Epsom have finally caught up with their soccer neighbours in Gander Green Lane and heartily embraced the competition. In 2022 Sutton United had a day out at Wembley for the 2022 EFL Trophy Final sponsored by the renowned pizza supplier. United lost 4-2 after extra time having been denied by Rotherham’s 96th-minute equaliser in normal time. In contrast to the soccer competition that had all of the League One and League Two clubs plus 16 category one academy teams the take up for the rugby equivalent has been apathetic. A picture of the end of season landscape was provided via the unreliable format of a club survey and the inaugural year was greeted with cascade of walkovers and the competition remains somewhat unloved despite a plethora of trophies being available that are spread liberally across the levels.

This season Sutton could have felt unlucky having been given a rare away first round tie and being in a section of the draw that would lead to two further away rounds. But the appetite for this competition is akin to a super model dining on nouvelle cuisine in the 1970s. Grasshoppers RFC generously provided a walkover in Round 1. S&E advanced to the next round against London Irish Wild Geese for a game due to be played at Hazelwood. However, a pre-booked tournament meant that no pitches were available and the game was switched to Rugby Lane. A grateful Black & Whites scored a magnificent seven goals in a 49-33 triumph. Destined to be on the road again they were saved by the start of the cricket season and Crescent Farm was unavailable for Rugby and Sidcup RFC journeyed to Cheam. Another 49-point haul, including a hat trick from lock Ewan McTaggart, and a 49-27 win saw the hosts advanced into a semi-final against Harlow.

For devotees of Sutton Rugby Harlow RFC are a familiar foe having been promoted as champions of London 2 North they played S&E from 1993-4 to 2003-4. So it was a delight for the Rugby Lane crowd to welcome back the Essex club on a beautiful sunny afternoon with a place in the final the prize for the winners. Sutton & Epsom fielded a strong squad featuring 11 from 18 of the players with the most league appearances from this season. Liam Batty initiated proceedings for the visitors who played towards the Cabbage Patch. S&E opened brightly looking to employ their back division at every opportunity. An excellent 50/22 from Tom Lennard put the hosts in a prime attacking position. The ball safely secured from the throw it went to the wing where Archie Fitzgerald touched down. Unfortunately, the final pass was forward but fortunately play was brought back for an earlier misdemeanour. Sutton took a tapped penalty and Rob Hegarty muscled his way over from short-range. Freddy Bunting mastered the breeze for a 7-0 lead after five minutes.

The Black & Whites dropped the restart on their 22. Harlow took advantage and centre Casey Teague made a telling break with Brad Etherington in support the ball came to lock Bamidele Coker who lost control just short of glory. Denied the instant reply the visitors were forced back on the defensive. Captain Bunting turned down a kick at the sticks on the 22 in favour of the nudge to the corner. The Rams repelled the catch and drive and Sutton released their backs. A long miss pass by Bunting bounced favourably for Archie Fitzgerald, on a rare visit to the UK, to gather and score in the corner. Freddy Bunting made light of a challenging conversion for 14-0.

At the end of the first quarter the hosts were reduced to 14 men when Kyren Ghumra knocked on an attempted interception. It was a justifiable yellow as a wonderful floated pass on the Harlow 22 had created a fabulous opportunity to counter. Buoyed by the numerical advantage the Latton Park men went in search of their first score. Once more the ball was lost under the posts but, on this occasion, Harlow secured possession and a jubilant Matt Gleeson crossed the whitewash to score. Liam Batty impressively converted the winger’s try to trail 7-14. However, Sutton soon restored their 14-point cushion. On the half-hour, having secured the line out ball, Freddy Bunting executed a set play to score. He added the extras to his try for a 21-7 lead.

If the home crowd thought this was going to be a pleasant processional bathed in sunshine they had a rude awakening. For the remainder of the first period the men from Essex gained the ascendancy. The back row triumvirate of Stalley, Hoole-Jackson & Etherington marauded forward. The centre combination of Teague and Lancaster made breaks and lock Bamidele Coker was producing an eye-catching display. Running back a Sutton clearance from halfway forwards and backs combined in unison. For the third time a probable score was thwarted by a fumble in sight of the line. However, as per Sutton’s opener, play was brought back for a penalty. Prop Mobashar Mahmood powered over the line for the visitor’s second try. Liam Batty made it 14-21 with an excellent kick.

With the first period approaching time added on the men in green made a stunning break from halfway deep into the Black & Whites 22 as the hosts scrambled in defence. In fact, S&E were saved when the play was interrupted by their physio treating an injured player who was in the path of the attack. Play was brought back for a knock on and a Harlow scrum. Brad Etherington picked up from a retreating pack and carried it forward for his back row comrade Dale Stalley to score. The conversion just drifted by the posts but the game was well poised with Sutton & Epsom leading 21-19. The first half concluded with Harlow on the front foot and the result very much in the balance.

The second half began with two key incidents, which on reflection, proved to be most significant for the final outcome and shifted the momentum in this encounter. In the first minute Kyren Ghumra made amends for his earlier botched interception by picking off a pass and sauntering in from forty metres. The Bunting boot made it 28-19. That most demoralising form of try to concede was followed moments later by a yellow card awarded against Harlow. The team of three showing consistency penalised a knock on that occurred whilst attempting to cut out a Sutton pass. Down to 14 the visitors were immediately punished. The penalty was kicked to the corner, the catch and drive was clinically executed as Dan Jones was ushered over the line for S&E’s fifth try of the afternoon. Another immaculate conversion from the flank made it 35-19 and a game that was on a knife-edge had swung violently in favour of the hosts.

In addition, the Sutton defence was much improved in the second period as the organisation and alignment that had become an encouraging feature of the recent league campaign was present once more. Indeed the Black & Whites were to keep a clean slate in the second half. Another familiar feature, the impressive form of Adam Bibby, became evident the longer the game continued. His balanced running, gliding through the defence and bouncing off would-be tacklers combined with selfless passing gave the S&E attack another dimension. With the numerical advantage the Surrey men could have added three more scores. Firstly, they failed to pass the ball down the line where an eager Archie

Fitzgerald would have scored. Secondly, Kyren Ghumra was held up over the line by tenacious tackling. Finally, and most unexpectedly, Adam Bibby lost control of the ball under the posts in the act of scoring.

The dynamic Dale Stalley lifted the siege with a barnstorming break from the scrum that followed the Bibby boob. The flanker exploded down the paddock and reached halfway leaving a poleaxed Sam Palombo in his wake. The unfortunate 15 was ushered off the pitch to take no further part in the contest. Restored to their full complement the Rams tried to get back into the match. They were aided by a flurry of penalties as they pressed hard for a morale-boosting score. The Black & Whites defence was now far more resolute and cussed resilience eventually saw them earn a turnover penalty near their line.

As the match continued the Essex team were not helped by injuries as key performers were replaced. The heat, the situation and the scoreboard made the game become increasingly scrappy. With the final whistle approaching the Rugby Lane team added two more goals to their ledger. Good fortune favoured the hosts as a probing kick bounced cruelly away from the cover and arrived in the hands of Josh Rea who triumphantly strode over. The Captain made it 42-19. Then Sutton maintained their numerical novelty of scoring 49 points in every round. A penalty awarded for a scrum infringement on halfway was kicked to the 22. Tom Lennard made the telling break from ten and Archie Fitzgerald, with his dubious hair colouring, collected his second try. Freddy Bunting maintained his 100% conversion record for the day, and in the competition, as his personal tally rose to 19 points and his side advanced to 49-19. Soon after the referee concluded proceedings.

After a thoroughly entertaining match Sutton & Epsom had earned their place in the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 2 South Plate Final. The game had started with a Sutton swagger, no doubt the result of two comprehensive victories in earlier rounds, but Harlow had shown enough intent to indicate to the neutral observer that this might not be an easy afternoon for the hosts. Harlow hit back and by the break were more than in contention as only an errant conversion separated the teams at 21-19. However, the Black & Whites scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to gain the glory of a place in the final. That match will take place on Saturday 17th May at Shaftesbury Park. This fine facility is familiar to S&E as it was a venue during their National 2 season being the home of Dings Crusaders in Bristol. Their Plate Final will be one of four matches that afternoon as a festival of club rugby starts at 11am. The Sutton charabancs will not be departing at breakfast but at a more polite time of midday as their game against Drybrook is the last one on the menu at 5pm. The West Country outfit were Sutton’s first ever Papa Johns opponent in 2023. On April Fool’s Day the Mannings Ground men left Rugby Lane 31-0 winners so the 2025 Sutton vintage will be keen to make amends this Saturday.

Sutton & Epsom: Palombo, Fitzgerald, Bibby, Bunting ©, Ghumra, Lennard, Lovatt, Lennie, Howes,
Johnson, Glanville, McTaggart, Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Madadangoma, Duey, Davies, Davis, Williams & Nelson.
Harlow: Creasey, Hunter, Lancaster, Teague, Gleeson, Batty, Enyon R., Mahmood,
Davies, King, Coker, Garner, Stalley, Hoole-Jackson & Etherington ©.
Replacements: Alagoz, Clark, Terrington, Enyon O., Wright & Rundall.

Image credits: Robin Kennedy

Surrey residents can once again apply for cash grants to improve their local area through the Your Councillor Community Fund.  

Surrey County Council is committed to making a difference in communities across the county. The Your Councillor Community Fund has benefitted communities in towns and villages from North to South and East to West. 

Last year, the Fund supported over 371 community projects via Surrey County Councillors, totalling £403,344. 

The Your Councillor Community Fund is designed to flexibly support a variety of costs, from purchasing sports equipment for local clubs to creating websites. It provides financial assistance to community groups and projects that enhance the quality of life for residents across Surrey on their doorsteps.  

Each year, Surrey County Council’s 81 councillors allocate £5,000 of funding within their local communities. With their deep understanding of the needs and priorities of their towns and villages, they can ensure that the funding is targeted to areas where it is most needed and where it can make the biggest impact. It can be used across a variety of projects that help promote the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of their communities. 

Examples of projects funded last year include: 

£2,000 towards equipment for the 2024 Ottershaw Village Fete, including hiring a generator, printing programmes and purchasing walkie talkies to be used at the event.  

£240 towards replacing old wooden bollards that were no longer fit for purpose at Churt Recreation Ground, making it more visually appealing and welcoming for the community. 

£1,000 to provide Horsell Community Gardening Project with new platers, bulbs and perennials, helping to bring together residents of all ages to cultivate and maintain green spaces in the local area. 

£3,000 to the Weybridge Society towards equipment for the 2024 Weybridge Festival. 

Surrey County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities Denise Turner-Stewart said: “The Your Councillor Community Fund has been incredibly successful in supporting a wide range of community projects on residents’ doorsteps. We are thrilled to see the positive impact it has had across Surrey and I am delighted it is open again for another year. 

This fund has played a crucial role in enabling councillors to address local needs and serve our residents effectively. By backing initiatives driven by the passion and dedication of our residents, we aim to build vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive and No One is Left Behind.” 

The Your Councillor Community Fund is open now and closes at the end of January 2026. A new grant management system is now in place, making the application process even easier for residents.  

To apply for money from this year’s Your Councillor Community Fund you should contact your local county councillor. 

More information can be found here Your Councillor Community Fund – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk). 

Anyone arrested for behaving badly on Epsom Derby day could be stuck with a £100 fine, a Surrey council says.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has green-lit a public space protection order (PSPO) ahead of this year’s Epsom Derby on June 7. Members voted through the new rules at a full council meeting, which could last up to three years, on Tuesday May 6.

The order applies to anyone harassing or threatening others, or continuing to drink alcohol after being ordered to stop by a police officer, community support officer or council officer. People wearing a piece of clothing with the intent to hide their identity to commit crime or behave anti-socially could also be at risk of large fines.

“There is an escalating amount of antisocial behaviour in the borough,” said Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee. She said: “The PSPO is a new tool specifically for the Epsom & Ewell area which will allow police and appropriate council staff to address antisocial behaviour effectively, without immediately resorting to arrests.”

Cllr Bernie Muir exclaimed: “Some residents are actually actively thinking of leaving the borough.” She said people have told her they do not like walking through an “intimidating” bunch of people to get into a restaurant or Epsom playhouse. Cllr Muir said: “Just having to put up with what is bad enough in itself the fear and uncertainty of antisocial behaviour but it’s going to impact economic life as well.”

Members spoke up in support of the order and hoped it would bring positive change to Epsom and Ewell. Cllr Goldman said: “I hope this order will ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the day, as well as a safer environment in the borough going forward.”

Report: https://democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/documents/s35629/Adoption%20of%20a%20Public%20Spaces%20Protection%20Order.pdf

Press release: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/news/epsom-ewell-borough-council-put-measures-place-combat-anti-social-%C2%A0behaviour-borough-ahead

Epsom and Ewell Times is bringing you all positions being taken on local government reorganisation. We believe in providing you as much information as possible, even if statements are repeated across the stream of reports and press releases.

Today, district and borough councils in Surrey have submitted proposals to government outlining their vision for the future of local government in Surrey.

Nine district and borough councils support the formation of three unitary councils (Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking) while two district and borough councils (Elmbridge and Mole Valley) and the county council favour two. Both proposals are published on council websites.

The proposal submitted by district and borough councils supporting three unitary councils is underpinned by the following priorities:

• supporting economic growth
• housing and infrastructure delivery
• unlocking devolution
• valuing and advocating for Surrey’s unique local identities and places
• providing strong democratic accountability, representation and community empowerment
• securing financial efficiency, resilience and the ability to withstand financial shocks
• delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable public services that are responsive to local need and that enable wider public sector reform.

Speaking about the proposal for three unitaries, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “Today, district and borough councils have submitted a proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey, a proposal rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape Surrey’s future, to improve outcomes and opportunities for our residents, businesses and people across the county who rely us most. We look forward to the government’s response to our proposal.”

PLEASE NOTE FRESH QUOTES FROM SBC HAVE BEEN ADDED. IN BOLD BELOW

Serious concerns over Spelthorne Borough Council’s financial failures have led the Government to appoint commissioners, experienced in taking over bankrupt authorities, to run key functions at the heavily indebted authority.

Spelthorne Borough Council has significant debts that stood at £1.096 billion in March 2023 making it the second worst for a district authority in England, after Woking.

Such is the “severity and size of the challenge at Spelthorne”, the Government has put in place measures that could last for up to five years to try to bring about some level of value for money and financial sustainably.

This includes taking over the council’s operating model and a redesign of services offered to residents.

The commissioners, some of whom have already dealt with crises at Liverpool and Woking, will look to close any budget gaps and reduce Spelthorne’s “exceptionally high level of external borrowing”.

Since May 2022, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has monitored several councils with high levels of debt and raised “serious concerns across a number of areas” at Spelthorne.

In particular they highlighted the council’s  “poor record” of addressing recommendations from external reviews and had  “no confidence” in the council’s ability to make the changes “without significant external support”.

They found an unwarranted “culture of optimism bias” with senior officers lacking “awareness” and being “clouded” to the dangers of its financial situation”, according to a slew of documents released by the Government today, Thursday May 8.

They spoke of strained and deteriorating relationships between senior management and political leadership as well as a lack of trust  – with a high number of complaints against members. 

Inspectors also found “poor, late and incomplete reporting, together with a lack of audit and a reluctance to accept and act on challenge” that “severely undermined informed decision-making”.

The debt was amassed despite, or perhaps because of a “lack of long-term planning, risk management” and an “overly-optimistic reliance” on property markets” which created an  “unsustainable” financial strategy .

Extracts from the report read:  “The council’s commercial activities are fragmented and lack a unified strategy, leading to uncoordinated decisions that do not align with broader objectives.

“The council’s large-scale property investments, driven by concerns over funding shortfalls, have exposed it to significant financial risks, especially post-covid. 

“The decision-making process was short-sighted and overly optimistic, with risks not fully understood or mitigated. 

“Investments are disproportionate to the size of the authority, raising concerns about risk and return considerations. 

“The authority has not fully adhered to statutory guidance on local authority investments, and decision-making reports have been inadequate, often lacking key elements and clear financial implications.

“The finance function lacks the structure, staffing, and expertise to manage the authority’s property portfolios effectively. 

“The authority financed its property acquisitions with over £1 billion in loans from the Public Works Loan Board, with terms up to 50 years and fixed rates averaging 2.58 per cent. 

“This debt is greater than the authority’s core funding equating to over £10,000 per resident. 

“While senior officers believe the Authority can service this debt using property revenues, there are significant issues such as property voids, high maintenance costs, and no clear long-term exit strategy.

“Having carefully considered the evidence, together with the representations received, the Secretary of State is confident that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the authority is failing to comply with its Best Value Duty.”

The commissioners will take over:

• Governance, scrutiny and transparency of strategic decision making 
• Financial governance and scrutiny of strategic financial decision 
• Strategic financial management
• Commercial decision-making, regeneration, property management, procurement and the management of commercial 
• The council’s operating model and redesign of services to achieve value for money and financial sustainability.
• Hiring and firing of senior officers and statutory officers.

Issuing a statement, the council said commissioners will be accountable to the Secretary of State and ‘uphold proper standards and due process and recommend action to the authority’.

Cllr Joanne Sexton, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: “We will tackle these challenges head-on. I am resolute in restoring Spelthorne’s financial health and will continue to improve our services and work hand-in-hand with the Commissioners to deliver lasting improvements.”

Cllr Chris Bateson, Deputy Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, added: “We stand united in our commitment to drive value for money, cut borrowing and protect vital services. There is no Plan B – we are all in to secure our Borough’s future.”

The council has gone through many changes in the past five years, having previously been under continuous Conservative control since its inception in 1974. In 2020 the council had its first independent leader when former Tory Ian Harvey crossed the floor. He was replaced that year by the Conservative Cllr John Boughtflower in 2020, the Liberal Democrat Cllr Lawrence Nichols in 2021, Cllr Boughtflower again in 2022. The current leader, the Independent Cllr Joanne Sexton has been in the position since 2023.

She said: “We are determined to address the challenges facing the authority and look forward to working collaboratively with the commissioners to ensure long-term improvement in the areas highlighted.”

Epsom and Ewell Times is bringing you all positions being taken on local government reorganisation. We believe in providing you as much information as possible, even if statements are repeated across the stream of reports and press releases. Here is the latest unedited press release from Surrey County Council that favours two unitary authorities to replace itself.

Yesterday, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet approved a plan for local government reorganisation in the county. The plan will be sent to government on 9 May, and proposes two councils, East and West Surrey, to replace the existing 12 councils. The creation of the two councils will unlock further devolution through the election of a Mayor for Surrey.   

The plan will be jointly submitted with Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, and includes letters of support from key local partners, including health, police, fire, business and community leaders.  

Ian Smith, Chair of NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB said: “As a key partner, NHS Surrey Heartlands is supportive of Surrey County Council’s proposal to move to two unitary authorities for Surrey. Recognising the value and importance of strong community engagement – particularly as the NHS looks to focus more on neighbourhood health with local partners – we very much support the proposed creation of community-level boards across Surrey to help strengthen engagement at local level.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I believe a two unitary structure is the right model for Surrey that will unlock the exciting opportunities that exist through devolution. 

“The most important part of my role is to represent our residents and ensure we provide value for money and the very best policing service to keep our communities safe. In any future model of governance, it is crucial that links to the Surrey public at a very local level are retained.  

“By getting this right, we can ensure that we continue to deliver an effective and resilient service that will fight crime and protect our county for the next decade.”  

Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer, said: “I am pleased that the proposal to move Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to the Mayoral Strategic Authority aligns to the national Fire Reform White Paper in terms of governance for our service. However, in addition to this, this could also allow better collaboration, greater control over funding and regulatory requirements and closer integration with local health and safety initiatives – ensuring a holistic approach to community safety.” 

The Chair to the Board of Trustees at Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum said: “We fully support the proposed local government reorganisation in Surrey, specifically the recommendation consisting of two unitary authorities. This proposal provides the best opportunity for greater efficiencies in the delivery of services, with reduced duplication and clearer accountability as well as improved financial sustainability. It would allow for more coherent planning and integrated service delivery while preserving the distinctiveness of Surrey’s diverse communities. This is a once in lifetime opportunity to strengthen and align public services in the county and we welcome the inclusion of police and health partners in developing this proposal. The inclusion of community boards in the proposal will help to strengthen connectivity with local communities, and SMEF can play a vital role in connecting local diverse communities into these boards.” 

Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) said: ‘Making the right decision is not always easy, but as elected representatives, our responsibility is to act in the best interests of our residents and businesses. This is especially important during a process as significant as local government reorganisation. 

“Initially, we felt that more time and information were needed to determine whether two or three unitary authorities would best serve Mole Valley. However, following a thorough review of both proposals and a full Council debate, we have voted to support the proposal for two unitary authorities and look forward to having further detailed discussions with our partners, Ministers and others regarding how this can best be implemented. 

“We believe this approach offers the best opportunity to establish a new authority that is financially sustainable, supports economic growth, protects our environment, and meets the needs of both our rural and urban communities.’ 

Cllr Mike Rollings, Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, believes that financial stability and protecting the interests of residents are best achieved by a 2 unitary approach.  

 “Although we didn’t ask for government to reorganise the structure of councils in Surrey, we are none-the-less committed to ensuring long-term financial sustainability and delivering value for our residents. I believe these priorities can be achieved through the establishment of two unitary authorities, one for East Surrey and one for West Surrey. Throughout this process we will maintain accountability and actively engage with our residents to ensure successful local government reorganisation in Surrey.”  

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “Our analysis shows that two unitary councils would bring the greatest benefit to Surrey’s residents, and we’ve received significant backing from key partners to support this. Two councils, in partnership with a Mayor for Surrey, would save money, strengthen and simplify local government and with an East and West arrangement both councils would be in a strong position to continue to deliver high quality services to all Surrey residents. Of course, consideration must be given to the differing levels of debt that the authorities would potentially inherit, and we’re in talks with government about our request that the stranded debt be written off as well as providing financial support to those borough councils that need it.   

“Most importantly, this proposal strengthens local community engagement. We know that residents want high quality services that are easy to access, and they want a real say in services and decisions that affect them. That’s why we’re proposing the creation of community-level boards across Surrey.   

“These community boards will be locally determined but we would expect them to include representation from health partners, Surrey Police, voluntary groups, councillors, council staff, local Town and Parish Councils and Residents Associations. We plan to pilot these boards over the coming months, and residents will have a say in how they are set up and delivered.   

“We’re in a strong position as a county council, with good quality services and an excellent track record of stable finances after years of successful transformation. And working together with our residents and partners, we are well placed to deliver this important reorganisation. Ultimately, this work will unlock further devolution, meaning Surrey can elect a mayor which will bring more power, flexibility and funding closer to communities.”  

The county council plan was also discussed with all county councillors at a Full Council meeting and a majority were in favour of submitting the final LGR plan. 

Plans for Surrey’s various district and borough councils to be devolved have been finalised. Surrey county councillors voted on how all 648 square miles of Surrey should be carved into two during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 7.

Surrey County Council’s plans, supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, propose two new councils are created, splitting Surrey into East and West. But devolutions plans supported by the majority of the borough and district councils support splitting Surrey into three.

The Labour government outlined colossal structural changes to councils in December, aiming to give local authorities more power. Surrey’s 12 unitary authorities- district and borough councils- were told to submit their proposals for one a single-tier council would like across Surrey.

At rapid speed, the county council has drawn up plans for Surrey to be split in two: making up West Surrey would be Woking, Spelthorne, Runnymede, Surrey Heath, Guildford and Waverley; on the East would be Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge.

Leader of the county council, Tim OIiver said: “The decision was always going to be based on the evidence, not on political lines or emotional lines.

“This is about what is in the best interest for residents… how can we establish unitaries that are going to be financially secure going forward.”

The leader emphasised the “evidence” only supports a two unitary authority is fair, even and best value for residents.

Cllr Catherine Powell, leader of the Residents’ Association and Independents Group, said having three councils is the “most balanced option” and claimed the East and West division is “financially unsustainable”.

“It will include all three areas with the highest need for children’s services and the three areas with the lowest council tax band base, which also happen to be the same three areas with the highest levels of debt,” she said.

She claimed that SCC’s own analysis showed it would be better for Spelthorne to join the East Surrey side, both in terms of financial and service distribution.

Cllr Powell urged the potentially crippling debt from the councils needs to be solved before any final decision is made. Conversations continue between the government and Woking on how to manage their debt, while Runnymede’s financial situation is still struggling and Spelthorne now has government commissioners in to manage the debt.

The three-council plan would put Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge into East Surrey. Elmbridge, Runnymede and Spelthorne would become North Surrey, and Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking in West Surrey.

But Cllr Oliver slammed the arguments as “weaponising” the debt across Surrey. He labelled the claim as “inconsistent”, as those in favour of three unitaries would lump struggling councils Spelthorne and Runnymede together with Elmbridge. He said: “How can it possibly be better than splitting them across two unitaries?”

Cllr George Potter slammed the Conservative councillors for supporting the idea of two mega councils based on their report. He said the council was merely “making the figures fit the pre-determined conclusions”.

However, Cllr Edward Hawkins said residents he has spoken to are “not bothered about changes but want the reduction of administration”. He said people just “want the bins emptied and the roads repaired”.

Despite the mudslinging, none of the councillors will decide what ultimately Surrey will look like in years to come. Timelines show the government will consult and interrogate the various proposals put forward, and decide how Surrey shall be carved up in the autumn.

Options for Surrey to be split into two and three unitaries will both be put on the table and submitted to government ministers on May 9.

Councillors have agreed to adopt a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough ahead of this years’ Epsom Derby.

This order, which was brought to Tuesday night’s full Council meeting, extends the powers of a previous, alcohol-related PSPO to the whole borough and includes the following new prohibitions:

• Harassing or intimidating residents, businesses or members of the public.
• Threatening any person with violence and/or being verbally abusive towards any person.
• Wearing a piece of clothing with the intent to obscure or hide their identity for the purposes of committing crime and/or anti-social behaviour.
• Acting, or inciting others to act, in an anti-social manner, which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person.
• Joining or remaining in a group of two or more people which is acting in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person.
• Consumption of alcohol following a verbal warning by an authorised person to stop. An authorised person includes a Police Constable, Police Community Support Officer, a Council Officer, or any other person authorised by the Council.

It was also confirmed that the amount payable for fixed-term penalty notice for this and for any future PSPOs is £100, discounted to £80 if paid within 10 days.

Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said:

“We know the safety of the Borough is important to residents so I am pleased that the new Public Sector Protection Order has been formally adopted by the council. The PSPO is a new tool specifically for the Epsom & Ewell area which will allow police and appropriate council staff to address antisocial behaviour effectively, without immediately resorting to arrests.

“With the Epsom Derby coming up in June, I hope this order will ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the day, as well as a safer environment in the borough going forward.”

The county council’s plan to split Surrey in two is  “flawed, inconsistent, incomplete and will doom the west to fail”, say opposition members.

Surrey as we know it will come to an end as sweeping changes to local government come into effect over the next two years.

The Government wants to get rid of the half-century-old system of 11 boroughs, districts, together with a county council, and replace them with a single mayor sitting atop either two or three large unitary authorities.

How that is achieved is still to be determined but the Residents Association group at Surrey has challenged the county’s plan saying that “in almost all” cases the county council’s own evidence goes against what it is trying to push through.

The county council wants to split Surrey in two in such a way that the most heavily indebted boroughs, Woking, Spelthorne, Runnymede and Surrey Heath,  would all be merged together – creating a massive financial imbalance from the get go.

The residents group says that  “worse still”  the council’s impact assessment flip flopped between where to stick Spelthorne.

Leader of the Residents’ Association and Independents Group, Councillor Catherine Powell, said papers published ahead of Surrey’s decision showed that a budget imbalance between the two new councils would be created with those living in the west facing higher costs.

Tax collection, she added, was another serious issue, because a new East Surrey would have two councils with the highest number of Band G and H properties while West Surrey would have, in Spelthorne, and Woking, two with the greatest percentage of lower tax band homes.

Cllr Powell said: “Surrey County Council says the proposals are robust and evidence based, and that (having Spelthorne in the west) creates authorities that are best placed to deliver high quality services. But  the “data” on which (that)  has been selected, except it doesn’t.

“It very clearly shows in almost all categories that Spelthorne in the east is more equitable than with Spelthorne in the west.”

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council: “The recommended geography for a two unitary split of Surrey is based on evidence, with a huge number of factors taken into account. It is also important to note local support and feedback from partners agencies – including other councils – in the final proposal.”

He said that detailed evidence showed very similar benefits and challenges between both options but that,  when wider factors were considered, putting Spelthorne into West Surrey  was considered the preferred option.

He added: “The harmonisation of council tax is a very real and practical challenge within any reorganisation, with different councils in Surrey currently charging different rates. 

“Decisions about how to harmonise council tax band D rates will be for the new unitaries to make, but modelling has been undertaken as part of preparing the County Council’s LGR Final Plan, and will continue to be progressed to help inform future decision-making so that it is fair and balanced across all Surrey residents, while ensuring any new councils would be in the best possible financial position to provide high quality, sustainable services.”