Surrey News
tony samuels
Saluting our forces in Surrey
The men and women of the armed forces, past and present, were honoured today at a flag raising ceremony at County Hall, hosted by Surrey County Council Chairman Tony Samuels. The ceremony marks the start of Armed Forces Week when all across the country the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous … Continue reading
Shining examples of volunteer work recognised
Shining examples of volunteer work were highlighted at an event staged by Surrey County Council to recognise people’s efforts to improve their communities. Volunteers who “do selfless work” in their neighbourhoods were celebrated at an event at County Hall organised for Chairman Tony Samuels. Each volunteer was handed a certificate and a medal. Those singled … Continue reading
Chairman meets with Chinese ambassador to discuss future investment in Surrey
Surrey County Council’s Chairman Tony Samuels has discussed future investment in the county with China’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. Mr Samuels said: “I had the privilege of meeting Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at a Guildhall reception recently. I commented that there were no multi-national Chinese companies in Surrey. He investigated further and subsequently invited me … Continue reading
VIDEO: New chairman and vice-chairman elected
Peter Martin has been elected as the new chairman of Surrey County Council following Sally Marks’ two years in post. Mr Martin takes on the role after serving as deputy leader between 2011 and 2017 and will be supported by Tony Samuels who becomes vice-chairman. The county councillor for Godalming South, Milford and Witley chaired his first … Continue reading
Council office sharing saves £700,000
Surrey County Council has saved taxpayers around £700,000 in the last year thanks to sharing buildings with other organisations. The saving – enough money to pay for a year of residential care for 28 people or 70 school places – comes because sharing more buildings means paying less for rent, heating and repairs. Around 1,000 … Continue reading
Local firms set for £60m council contracts boost
A county council pledge to back business could net local firms up to £60 million as part of the biggest school expansion programme in Surrey’s history. Around 30 primary school construction contracts worth £50m are set to be awarded through the BuildSurrey website over the next two years. On top of the school work, £10m … Continue reading
Surrey signs off £15 million investment in schools
Schools are set to undergo extensive building work after Surrey County Council signed off investment of £15 million to provide more places and new facilities for pupils. The cash will be invested in new buildings and upgraded facilities at Weydon Academy near Farnham and De Stafford School in Caterham. Two new teaching blocks will be … Continue reading
Guardian profiles Cabinet Member
Surrey County Council Cabinet Member Tony Samuels explains his motivation for becoming a councillor in a Guardian profile. The Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes revealed that his upringing had a lot in common with the star of the BBC’s The Apprentice series Lord Sugar.
Guardian debate features Cabinet Member
Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes Tony Samuels has taken part in a debate organised by the Guardian about striking better deals with businesses and voluntary groups. Mr Samuels emphasised a joint purchasing operation with East Sussex County Council that aims to save both authorities millions of pounds. He also highlighted how … Continue reading
Cabinet Member shares platform with minister
Cabinet Member Tony Samuels shared a platform with government minister David Willetts at a national business event. Mr Samuels joined the Minister for Universities and Science at the Association of Business Schools’ annual conference to speak about how councils and businesses can work better together to promote economic growth. Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for … Continue reading
County council backs plan to regenerate Woking town centre
A plan to regenerate Woking town centre that will create nearly 1,000 jobs and feature a new state-of-the-art fire station has been backed by Surrey County Council. The authority has agreed to join forces with Woking Borough Council and private company Moyallen to transform the Bandstand Square area of the town. A new Marks & … Continue reading
Tony Samuels interview on £3.5m savings from sharing premises
Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes Tony Samuels was interviewed today by BBC Surrey presenter Mark Carter about how sharing premises with other local authorities has helped to save Surrey County Council nearly £3.5m and deliver a smoother service. Audio courtesy of BBC Surrey
Sharing premises saves Surrey £3.5m
Sharing premises with other local authorities has helped Surrey County Council save local taxpayers nearly £3.5 million. Basing staff in joint rather than separate council offices in the same towns has contributed most of the £3.4m savings on public buildings. The approach, which has seen adult social care staff move into borough and district premises, … Continue reading
Guardian interview on making the most from property
Surrey County Council cabinet member Tony Samuels was among leading local government figures to set out how public services can make the most of their properties. In an interview with the Guardian, the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes emphasised that taking a ‘one team’ approach by working with other councils leads to better … Continue reading
Cabinet member talks at national event on managing property more effectively
Surrey County Council Cabinet member Tony Samuels has spoken at a national event looking at how public services can save money by managing property more effectively. Mr Samuels told the Inside Government conference* that Surrey has joined forces with Hampshire County Council on property projects to drive down costs. He highlighted the council’s work through … Continue reading
