A coordinated national effort “Operation Machinize” has seen Surrey’s Trading Standards team collaborating with partners to seize £58,075 of illegal goods. The multi-agency approach involved Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, Surrey Police, Home Office Immigration, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and tobacco detection dogs, targeting high street businesses suspected of criminal activity across Surrey. … Continue reading
Surrey County Council has expanded the Aira Explorer app trial to support more blind and partially sighted Surrey residents to travel independently and sustainably across the county. The app allows customers to place a video call with a trained visual interpreter on speakerphone, who looks through the person’s smartphone camera to guide them between the bus stop and nearby rail stations. The visual interpreters … Continue reading
Surrey County Council’s popular tree giveaway events are back with an impressive 4,000 free trees up for grabs at locations around the county. Surrey residents can visit one of the following community recycling centres (CRCs) to collect a free tree to plant at home: The CRCs will be opening their doors from 9am to 4pm on the following dates: A mix of small and medium native tree … Continue reading
In response to the growing number of children and young people in Surrey, and nationally, requiring specialist support, Surrey County Council has pioneered the UK’s first nationally recognised apprenticeship targeted at staff working with the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. This first-of-its-kind programme aims to professionalise and strengthen the role of ECHP coordinators across England. The apprenticeship, which is designed to meet the needs of all councils in England, officially launched on … Continue reading
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting Wholetime Firefighters – offering a career like no other. Recruitment opened on Monday 27 October, and will close on Sunday 9 November. As a firefighter, you’ll be at the heart of protecting lives, supporting communities, and preventing and responding to 999 calls across Surrey. From house fires … Continue reading
Warm Welcomes return on 1 November 2025 for the fourth time, run in partnership with Surrey County Council and community venues. Warm Welcomes are free places for people to get warm in the colder months, have a free hot drink and socialise with others in their local area. Last year from November 2024 to March … Continue reading
Government has confirmed plans for local government reorganisation in Surrey, announcing that two new unitary councils will replace the existing twelve councils in April 2027, creating a simpler and more efficient system for delivering services across the county. Government is clear that this once in a generation reform will see stronger local councils in charge … Continue reading
Hundreds of people can fast-track their career for free as Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey. The government-funded courses from Surrey County Council allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time. A range of courses are on offer for this year in exciting and growing sectors such as construction, cyber security, … Continue reading
Surrey residents and their families can now benefit from a simple new online tool to help them be prepared for the costs of care, if they become less able. Many of us don’t realise that we are likely to have to pay for some or all of our own care, especially if we have savings … Continue reading
Surrey’s gritter drivers are now available 24/7 to help keep residents moving during the colder months. Our 39 state-of-the art gritting vehicles, named by Surrey school children, are ready to grit the county’s busiest routes before and during severe weather, using the 10,000 tonnes of salt stored at our four Surrey depots. Two new mini … Continue reading
A Surrey County Council children’s residential home in Woking has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, following a recent inspection that praised the home’s exceptional care and commitment to young people’s wellbeing and development. Inspectors commended the home for delivering “exceptionally good care,” enabling children to “make significant progress from their starting points”. The report also … Continue reading
The newly opened Surrey County Council Library Hub in Staines-Upon-Thames is proud to announce it is hosting the exciting and innovative Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 for young people across Surrey on Saturday 8 November 2025. This free, one-day event offers a dynamic mix of workshops, performances, and exhibitions designed to inspire and … Continue reading
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service recognised 59 employees and individuals at its annual Awards and Commendations Ceremony. The Service honoured the exceptional service, courage, and commitment, held at Dorking Halls yesterday (Tuesday 21 October). The event recognises individuals who have reached significant milestones in their careers – celebrating from 5 years to 45 years of … Continue reading
Surrey jobseekers can find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway services portal. Latest figures show that more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. Of these, 22,400 people want … Continue reading
Surrey County Council is pleased to announce the creation of nearly 500 specialist school places for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities during the 2025/26 academic year. This expansion reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. Of the nearly 500 places, 169 were … Continue reading