The Strategy & Resources Committee has decided to approve recommendations, including participation in a pilot scheme for Neighbourhood Area Committees proposed by Surrey County Council.

URL: https://tandridge.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=291

Decision Maker: Strategy & Resources Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: A report was presented detailing progress on the delivery of the Tandridge Transition Programme (TTP), the approach for developing the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plan, and the proposed budget for the 2026/27 financial year.   In respect of LGR, Officers confirmed that the statutory consultation for LGR had been launched, with stakeholders encouraged to submit responses by the deadline of 5 August 2025. A final decision from Central Government on the submitted proposals was anticipated in October 2025.   The TTP continued to support the LGR process by establishing key objectives for the Council in preparation for the new authority. These objectives included delivering a positive legacy for the community and residents, while maintaining focus on staff recruitment, retention, development, and motivation during the transition. It was noted that the Council had been approached to pilot Neighbourhood Area Committees, as proposed in the County Council’s two-unitary authority plan.   Officers emphasised that business as usual (i.e. delivery of priority services) would be maintained throughout the LGR process. All TTP workstreams were overseen by an Officer Board, chaired by the Chief Executive, alongside regular meetings of the Member Reference Group. The Future Tandridge Programme had now concluded, and its closure report was included within the meeting papers to highlight achievements prior to the LGR announcement.   The CAT programme had received 62 expressions of interest from 10 parish councils, generating a significant workload for Officers. To manage this, a full-time legal resource had been allocated to support the programme.   The £0.75 million savings plan was on track for delivery. The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) anticipated an increasing budget gap of £1 million annually. Despite the LGR announcement, the budget gap for 2026/27 remained, and the budget was being prepared accordingly.   LGR had complicated efforts to identify savings, as any investments or restructures would only guarantee a one-year payback period. Officers estimated that £400,000 of savings could be achieved without impacting residents, leaving a £600,000 gap. This would be reduced to circa £200,000 by releasing a £445,000 budget contingency. If necessary, reserves could be used to close any remaining gap to set a balanced budget.   In response to questions and comments from Members, Officers confirmed that:   ·         They were aware of concerns about officer capacity to manage Community Asset Transfers promptly. Mitigations were in place, with ongoing resource reviews. Budget flexibility allowed for additional staffing if required. The programme would continue until the end of the current financial year, when a decision would need to be made on whether to continue it further into 2026/7, in the context of preparations for LGR.   ·         Maintaining core service delivery to residents during the LGR process was a priority. Discussions on funding LGR were ongoing between councils.   ·         Details concerning Neighbourhood Area Committees, including draft terms of reference, were being developed. Discussions with the County Council had recently commenced, with a focus on ensuring benefits for residents.   ·         Staff turnover was expected to rise during LGR, potentially increasing costs due to vacancies requiring quick filling or agency staff. Opportunities for collaborative working with future partner councils would be explored to maintain resources.   Following the creation of the Shadow Authority in May 2026, an interim Senior Management Team was expected to be formed, primarily from existing Surrey council staff from the existing authorities. No further staff transfers were planned before 1 April 2027. Interest generated from council assets could be used to fund services, but the assets themselves could not be sold or used. Reserves would be reviewed to assess the retained amounts and their potential usage.   After a lengthy debate the Committee expressed its support for participating in the pilot scheme for Neighbourhood Area Committees proposed by Surrey County Council.               R E S O L V E D – that the Committee:   A.     Note the financial approach for 2026/27.   B.     Note the closure report for the Future Tandridge Programme.   C.     Note the progress being made on the Tandridge Transition programme.   D.     Note the updated expressions of interest forms for Community Asset Transfers.

Date of Decision: June 26, 2025