Surrey News

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service proudly welcomed eight new on-call firefighters at a pass out parade on Sunday 2 February 2026.  The new firefighters will now join crews at the following fire stations across the county: Godalming, Guildford, Chobham, Oxted and Lingfield, strengthening county-wide emergency response and bringing valuable new skills into their communities.  Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin welcomed the new firefighters, saying: “I am incredibly honoured to welcome … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council has approved a balanced budget for 2026/27 in one of the most challenging financial contexts in recent years.   A reduction of over £50 million in Government funding next year, alongside inflationary costs and rising demand for essential services, has required difficult decisions to ensure the Council continues to deliver for residents. The outcome of the … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council and the 11 district and borough councils have come together to communicate plans for devolution and local government reorganisation, including preparing residents for elections to the two new councils in May.   The group of 12 councils are committed to ensuring residents are aware of the changes, how it impacts them and … Continue reading →

Surrey Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of St Joseph’s Specialist Trust (Cranleigh) and Clifton Hill School (Caterham) as ‘Lead Schools’.  Both schools bring a wide range of experience and expertise which will further develop the current portfolio of Lead Schools. The Lead Schools scheme was launched in March 2025 as part of an … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council is set to hand over 750 free trees to residents next week, as tree giveaway events return to Surrey’s libraries.   The giveaway is part of the county council’s tree strategy which launched in 2019 and saw the council pledge to facilitate the planting of 1.2 million trees, one for every resident in Surrey, by 2030.   The following libraries are giving away trees on a first-come, first-served basis, on … Continue reading →

An innovative initiative to help Surrey businesses benefit more from spending in the region’s £50 billion economy will soon launch. Source in Surrey has been developed by Surrey Chambers of Commerce after it secured a grant from Surrey County Council’s Economic Growth Fund. The six-figure initiative is designed to strengthen the regional economy by connecting … Continue reading →

Surrey Libraries are thrilled to be taking part in the National Year of Reading, a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to rediscover the joy of reading. A Department for Education initiative and led by the National Literacy Trust, this year’s theme is “Go All In” and is being delivered by a group of … Continue reading →

On 22 January 2026, Surrey County Council’s Fostering Service held its annual Winter Ball, bringing together foster carers, senior leaders and partners to recognise the vital role foster carers play in supporting children and young people across Surrey.  During 2025, the fostering service supported 578 children, providing care and stability at crucial times in their lives. Over the past 18 months, the Council has been … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet have agreed to endorse the continuation of the Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs) at Surrey County Council’s Cabinet meeting Tuesday 27 January to ensure that community voices are heard. Findings on the success and progress of the NACs were provided and the following proposals put forward: Cabinet have agreed to progress with … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet has today agreed plans to relocate Reigate Priory Junior School to a new, purpose-built school building at Woodhatch Place on Cockshot Hill. The new site will retain the school’s five-form entry and deliver a modern, inclusive environment designed with pupil safety, sustainability and seamless indoor–outdoor learning in mind.  The purpose-built facility will offer spacious classrooms, improved areas for whole … Continue reading →

Surrey County Council has today published its budget papers for 2026/27, setting out a balanced budget for the year ahead, despite significant financial pressures caused by the impact of the government’s national Fair Funding Review.  Government funding for the council’s budget is being reduced by over £50m for the next financial year, negatively impacting Surrey more than any other area.  This, coupled with rising costs … Continue reading →

A key milestone in the reorganisation to two new councils for Surrey has been reached, with local councillors coming together for the first time as committees to lay the foundations for the transition.  The government announced last year that Surrey County Council and Surrey’s 11 district and borough councils should reorganise into two new unitary authorities – West Surrey Council … Continue reading →

Greentech innovators and gourmet food producers are among businesses benefiting from a further £1 million investment into the county’s economy by Surrey County Council.  Nearly 30 companies and entrepreneurs are receiving individual grants of up to £75,000 in the latest round of funding.  The investment, which is largely made up of UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, will unlock millions of pounds of match funding while creating dozens of local jobs.  Among the recipients are Mantisonix, a … Continue reading →

A new photography exhibition by Active Prospects is shining a light on the power of nature, creativity, and personalised wellbeing support. The stunning images on display were all taken by people who have taken part in the charity’s Green Escape wellness recovery programme, funded through the Mental Health Investment Fund (jointly funded by Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands ICB).  … Continue reading →