East Surrey progress welcomes progress made so far

At its latest meeting on 24 September, the East Surrey Shadow Authority considered progress across the programme to establish the new organisation, including workforce planning, governance arrangements, technology and systems, financial planning and organisational development.

Councillors reviewed the measures being put in place to ensure the new authority has the right people, systems and decision-making arrangements to deliver high-quality services and value for money for residents from day one. This included governance frameworks designed to support transparent, accountable and effective decision-making, alongside the development of a new Council Strategy that will help shape the future direction of East Surrey Council.

The East Surrey Council Strategy sets out an ambition to create an inclusive area where people are heard, supported and proud of their communities.  It focuses on helping people thrive, improving local places and delivering efficient, transparent services, while ensuring residents have a meaningful role in shaping the council’s future direction through engagement in the coming months.

Throughout the transition, the programme remains focused on maintaining the services residents rely on while preparations for the new council continue.

Councillor Steve Wotton, leader of the East Surrey Shadow Authority, said: “Creating a brand-new council is a significant undertaking and a huge amount of work is taking place across East Surrey to make sure we are ready from day one.

“Every month we are seeing further progress as plans move from design into delivery. Teams across the programme are working together to put in place the systems, structures and governance arrangements needed to support a modern, effective and financially resilient council.

“Alongside this, we are developing a Council Strategy that sets out our long-term ambition for East Surrey: creating an inclusive area where people are heard, supported and proud of their communities. We want to help people thrive, improve local places and deliver efficient, transparent services shaped by the people who use them and we’ll be engaging with residents on this strategy in the coming months.

“Local government reorganisation gives us a unique opportunity to create a council that is simpler, more joined up and better placed to meet the needs of our communities, both now and in the years ahead.”