A feature published in today’s Guardian highlighted the severe strain being put on Surrey County Council’s budgets by ever-growing demand for services for older and disabled people. Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Mel Few told the newspaper that it meant the council needed to spend an additional £24 million annually.
Following the news that Claygate has been named as one of the best local shopping areas in the country after being shortlisted in the Great British High Street competition, Surrey leader David Hodge said: “This is fantastic news for Claygate. Local shops and village stores have a special place at the heart of their communities and clearly … Continue reading
Live performances to drive home road safety message A series of live performances that aim to raise road safety awareness among young people in Surrey will take place this month. Safe Drive Stay Alive, an initiative lead by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, features a series of films and live speakers who recount their stories and … Continue reading
Put the clocks back and check your smoke alarm Surrey residents are being urged to test their smoke alarm as they put their clocks back this weekend. The call from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service comes after the latest statistics from the Home Office show that 12% of households where fires took place in 2013/14 … Continue reading
A Surrey charity has been awarded £350,000 thanks to the county’s role in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey events. YMCA East Surrey received the sum to help fund a new sports facility for people with disabilities and additional needs at the charity’s Redhill site. The grant will also enable the centre to become a regional hub for … Continue reading
A trial scheme to arm vulnerable young people with the skills to launch a highways career proved so successful that all six have been asked to apply for apprenticeships or jobs. Among those successfully completing the course, which included training on machinery and team building exercises, were people classed as NEET – not in employment, education … Continue reading
Hundreds expected to attend Surrey careers fair Hundreds of young people are expected to descend on a careers fair organised by Surrey County Council. Next month’s Surrey Opportunities Fair is aimed at school-leavers, unemployed young people and those seeking new opportunities. The event will give young people the chance to find out more about apprenticeships, … Continue reading
Two cowboy roofers who fleeced elderly residents out of thousands of pounds by overcharging for poor quality work have been jailed. John Green, 50, of Horton Road, Staines and George Roy, 55, of Holmlea Road, Slough carried out a spate of frauds in Surrey, Hampton and Hertfordshire between 2011 and 2013. Trading under the name … Continue reading
Pupils from outside Surrey have swelled the county’s school population by 2,000 – enough to fill a primary and secondary school. Figures show that 3,200 pupils living outside county boundaries had places at Surrey primary schools and 2,700 Surrey pupils went to primaries outside the county, giving a net influx of 500 – the equivalent … Continue reading
Parents who have adopted sets of siblings and children with disabilities have urged others to come forward and change the lives of youngsters who wait longer to find a forever family. With National Adoption Week in full swing, two families told of the rewards that adopting their children has brought them. Sarah*, a single mum-of-one, … Continue reading
A letter from Cabinet Member Mel Few explaining how Surrey County Council’s finances are being put under huge strain by rising demand for adult social care services has been published by The Guardian (fifth letter in the list).
David Hodge marked the fifth anniversary of his first statement as Surrey County Council’s leader by emphasising how local influence can make a big difference.
Surrey County Council’s support for the armed forces has been recognised with a coveted Gold Award presented by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. Surrey is among the first councils nationally to receive the highest award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. It was presented by HRH Prince William and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon … Continue reading
Surrey’s unsung heroes recognised Almost 30 of Surrey’s unsung heroes were recognised at a ceremony hosted by the county council’s chairman. Sally Marks handed volunteers a certificate and a medal at the event in Dorking to recognise the work they do in their communities. Among those receiving awards were Carole Anne Cole, from Camberley, who invites young … Continue reading
David Hodge used today’s Full Council meeting to talk about the successes of his five years as Surrey County Council’s leader, the challenges the authority faces and the opportunities for health and social care services.