Surrey saving £70m this year

Leader David Hodge revealed Surrey County Council aims to save local taxpayers up to £70 million this year during a speech to mark his first year in office.

At today’s meeting of the Full Council, Mr Hodge unveiled this financial year’s savings target, which is equivalent to Surrey’s roads budget for two years. Reaching it will see the council’s savings climb to around £200 million in three years.

Surrey County Council leader David Hodge. Click to download

Mr Hodge also used the meeting to spell out key achievements during his first year in charge. He said the authority had:

• Taken action to improve Surrey’s roads. A new contract with May Gurney saves £4.1m a year on the previous deal and sees potholes fixed faster
• Pledged to ensure 60% of council spending on goods and services goes to local businesses and done a deal to provide superfast broadband that will make Surrey the best connected county in the country
• Boosted apprenticeships. Businesses are getting cash incentives to hire young people, contractors are being asked to include apprenticeships in bids and 100 apprentices are being hired by the council this year
• Invested £10m to help older people stay in their homes for longer through working with boroughs and districts
• Created a £750,000 fund to help residents improve their local areas. A community cafe, a meals on wheels service and an outdoor gym were among the first schemes to win cash.

Mr Hodge said: “By finding ways of doing things more efficiently and working with other councils and organisations, we’re ensuring taxpayers’ money goes further while continuing to provide excellent services.

“Surrey is stronger than it was a year ago as a result. We’re helping business by keeping spending local, providing superfast broadband and investing in our roads. We’re doing all we can to create jobs and opportunities for young people through apprenticeships. And we’re giving vulnerable people the support in their homes they rely on us for.

“I am committed to continuing this work and helping our residents independently enhance their neighbourhoods. By forging stronger teams and partnerships, we can do even more for Surrey’s residents.”