Surrey News

In a shining example of localism in action, community groups are set to be given the opportunity to join local councils in helping to improve Surrey’s roads. A scheme giving borough, district and parish councils a bigger role in running services by freeing them up to manage highway verge grass cutting, hedge trimming and repairs … Continue reading »

Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services Helyn Clack has been interviewed by BBC Surrey about the £44 million boost to Surrey’s economy from last summer’s Games a year after the Olympic torch relay started. Audio courtesy of BBC Surrey

Golden girl Laura Trott today confirmed she will go for glory in an event being staged as part of a festival of cycling in London and Surrey this summer. Double Olympic gold medallist Trott heads the field for the first Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix on Saturday 3 August. She will be joined by fellow Games … Continue reading »

David Munro has replaced Lavinia Sealy as the Chairman of Surrey County Council. Mr Munro stepped up from his previous position as Vice Chairman, with Sally Marks taking his place in that role. The county councillor for Farnham South took the chair at today’s (21 May 2013) meeting of the Full Council and in his … Continue reading »

Surrey County Council Leader David Hodge today revealed his new Cabinet. At the first Full Council meeting since the elections, Mr Hodge confirmed Peter Martin will continue as Deputy Leader and unveiled four Cabinet Associate Members, who will provide support for portfolio holders. The full Cabinet list is below. Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and … Continue reading »

Leader David Hodge today unveiled a new county council Cabinet focused on improving Surrey’s roads, investing in schools and boosting apprenticeships. Other key priorities Mr Hodge set out at the first post-election meeting of the Full Council included investing in care for the vulnerable and tackling the problem of litter.

It’s full speed ahead in Surrey for superfast internet access with the roll out of high-quality broadband getting under way. Work has begun to give 15,000 more homes and businesses access to the high speed service by September, with Pixham Village the first community to benefit. The news comes after Surrey County Council selected BT … Continue reading »

As Dementia Awareness Week launched, a £50,000 fund was unveiled for communities in Surrey to make life better for thousands of people with the condition. The pot of cash will allow groups to put in bids for projects that help people with dementia remain active and independent in their local areas. It has been created … Continue reading »

Surrey County Council’s Strategic Director for Customers and Communities Yvonne Rees, who is also Mole Valley District Council’s Interim Chief Executive, has taken part in a debate organised by the Guardian about councils working together. She emphasised how all Surrey’s local authorities are working together through Surrey Future to promote economic growth.

Surrey County Council’s IMT Group Manager Nick Roberts took part in a debate organised by the Guardian about how local authorities connect online. He highlighted a scheme to connect public services in Surrey and Berkshire. A round-up of the discussion can also be found on the Guardian’s website.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety Kay Hammond was interviewed by BBC Surrey following the release of Sir Ken Knight’s review of fire services in England today. – Audio courtesy of BBC Surrey

The Government has named Surrey one of the country’s top 10 councils to do business with as the authority revealed firms have won deals worth more than £400,000 from a new initiative. On the day leader David Hodge collected Surrey’s award at 10 Downing Street, the council announced 18 local firms had secured contracts totalling … Continue reading »

People will be asked for their ideas on how to make it safer and easier to cycle, walk and drive around the Guildford gyratory, during a three day exhibition. Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council will be drafting a plan to improve Guildford’s busy town centre in a bid to nurture economic growth and … Continue reading »

A rallying cry has been sounded for people to support Surrey’s inclusion in Crossrail 2, which could have benefits across the South East. Mayor of London Boris Johnson today launched a consultation into the new cross London rail line, which could increase capacity on the South West Main Line by up to 40% at peak … Continue reading »

Bringing up a child can be a challenging task but as Foster Care Fortnight gets under way Graham and Pam Cribb reveal they have spent almost 40 years looking after 250 young people. The couple are currently fostering five children aged five to 11 for Surrey County Council. Father-of-three Graham said: “We love it when … Continue reading »

Mayor of London Boris Johnson today launched a consultation into plans for a new railway line spanning London called Crossrail 2. During an interview on BBC Surrey radio, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment John Furey called for Surrey and the wider South East’s involvement in the project. You can listen to … Continue reading »

Pedal power is gaining popularity in Surrey as new figures reveal the percentage of people cycling on a monthly basis has increased. Department for Transport stats have shown that 20% of Surrey folk ride a bike at least once a month – busting the national average of 15%. Elmbridge boasts the highest percentage of people … Continue reading »

Surrey County Council has welcomed the formation of a national task force aimed at combating disruption and damage caused by utility company roadworks. The Local Government Association revealed it formed the group after research showed the problem has cost taxpayers almost half-a-billion pounds over the past two years – the equivalent of filling eight million … Continue reading »

Today’s Queen’s Speech was a shot in the arm for Surrey County Council according to leader David Hodge, who says the government’s vision matches his own in many ways. He said: “Last week the Surrey public gave us a vote of confidence for the work we’re doing and that was echoed when the government’s plans … Continue reading »

Ben Unsworth, Surrey County Council senior performance and research manager, has taken part in a debate organised by the Guardian about harnessing technology to improve social care services.

Surrey County Council Senior Performance and Research Manager Ben Unsworth has participated in a debate organised by the Guardian about local elections. Voting started this morning in the 2013 county council elections, with polling stations opening across Surrey at 7am. Residents have until 10pm to vote. They can find out who their local candidates are … Continue reading »