Latest news with #MoleValleyDistrictCouncil
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Surrey residents' view on unitary authorities has been published
A quarter of 558 residents who responded to an online panel said they backed creating two new councils in Surrey, while a third preferred having either three - or a single research was carried out by Surrey County Council (SCC) which has submitted plans to the government, along with Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, for two new unitary opposition Residents' Association and Independents Group said the findings, published in an answer to a question from a councillor on 4 June, should have been shared with the public a letter to the local government minister, SCC's Conservative leader Tim Oliver said the data "lacked consensus". The government announced in December that the two-tier council system would be abolished, with areas also having elected borough and district councils in Surrey are backing a proposal for three unitary councils, while Crawley and Reigate & Banstead have also developed a plan which would see those two areas being per cent of the residents who took part in the SCC panel in February said they agreed that councils should have more powers and funding from central were also asked what outcomes they wanted from the changes, with the three top answers being: better value for money from councils when delivering services, clearer accountability and more financially resilient authorities. 'Open and transparent' Catherine Powell, leader of the Residents' Association and Independent Group at SCC, said the information from the panel showed higher support for three authorities."I'd like to see the full survey," she told BBC Radio Surrey."I'd like to see what questions were asked, what the answers to the questions were [and] exactly what percentage of people supported which…because that is open and transparent."In his letter, Oliver, who has previously criticised a consultation by the boroughs and districts, said the panel was "broadly representative of Surrey's population"."The overall data lacked consensus with 40% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with both two and three unitaries," he said."Therefore, our final plan includes the more in-depth and directive responses on preferred outcomes to local government reorganisation."He added that those responses had provided "a clearer understanding of what residents want… and this is what we have focused on addressing".In a statement to Parliament on 3 June, Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, said: "I am pleased to inform the House that we received proposals for unitary local government from councils in Surrey, and I will provide the House with a full update shortly."
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver to face questions
Special educational needs provision and local government reorganisation will be among the topics discussed when Surrey County Council's leader answers questions on BBC Radio Oliver will appear on the hot seat on the breakfast show on Wednesday from 09:00 council's provision for children with additional needs has been previously criticised, with the cabinet member responsible saying the authority was "resolute" in its ambition to children's services department was rated "good" on Friday, after "inadequate" ratings in 2015 and 2018. Listen to the BBC Radio Surrey breakfast show from 06:00 - 10:00, Monday to Friday, on BBC Radio Surrey or on BBC Sounds. The council submitted plans to central government earlier in May for how local government could look in the future with fewer, larger councils responsible for County Council, supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, is proposing that two new councils are created, with one in the east and another in the that were due to take place in 2025 in Surrey have been postponed until 2026 as part of the devolution has been the leader of the county council since 2018, and is a councillor for the Weybridge 2024, he was awarded an OBE for services to local government.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Surrey County Council approves reorganisation plans
Surrey council reorganisation plans approved 11 minutes ago Share Save Jack Fiehn BBC Surrey, political reporter Share Save Getty Images The government is expected to make a decision by the end of 2025 A plan to reorganise councils in Surrey into two unitary authorities has been approved by the county council. Surrey County Council (SCC), supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, is proposing that two new councils are created, with one in the east and another in the west. Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking borough councils and Tandridge District Council are backing a plan for three new authorities. The government has given councils a deadline of Friday to submit their proposals. The leader of Surrey County Council says a two unitary east/west model is the best option. At a cabinet meeting, the Conservative leader of SCC, Tim Oliver, said the decision had been based on evidence. "At the end of the day, this is not – and should not be – looked at through a political lens," he said. "This is about what is in the best interest for residents… how can we establish unitaries that are going to be financially secure going forward." The proposal for two councils has Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Woking, Guildford and Waverley in the west authority; and Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge in the east. 'Much more balanced' The leader of the Residents' Association and Independents Group, Catherine Powell said the plan for the west of Surrey "cannot be financially sustainable". "It will include all three areas with the highest need for children's services and the three areas with the lowest council tax band base, which also happen to be the same three areas with the highest levels of debt," she said. "The three unitary option is much more balanced." At a full meeting of SCC on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green Party councillors also said they were opposed to two unitary councils. In the plan for three authorities, Surrey Heath, Woking, Guildford and Waverley would be in the west; Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge would be in the east; and Runnymede, Spelthorne and Elmbridge would be in the north. Mr Oliver said he felt the issue of the debt owed by councils across Surrey, particularly in Woking, had been "almost weaponised" and that there continue to be conversations with the government. Ministers are expected to make a decision on the final proposals by the end of 2025. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A tale of two South East high streets
A difficult financial climate and declining footfall are making it harder to become a high street success story. This is certainly the case in the Surrey town of Leatherhead and Chatham in Kent, both of which are at the centre of regeneration plans. While the projects promise plenty, businesses are trying to survive amid quieter high streets and greater overheads. BBC South East has been out to meet shoppers and businesses over a busy Easter holiday break to get their views on their high street. Leatherhead resident Paul thinks the town should be "more successful than it is". "The money's here, there's lots of wealthy people here but they don't shop in Leatherhead," he said. According to data from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR), Mole Valley - the main towns of which are Dorking and Leatherhead - saw a 13% reduction in retail businesses between 2023 and 2024. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) says this figure is based on "misrepresenting data" due to some businesses being incorrectly classified. Lucio Dilena, the owner of Lucio's Coffee & Deli, admits the town "does lack in footfall" but says a good reputation ensures his business remains strong. Lucio really notices a difference on the days when there are market stalls on the high street. "It's great, because if the town's busy, everyone's busy," he added. MVDC said its Transform Leatherhead regeneration programme aims to "revitalise" Leatherhead town centre and reposition the town by providing a "wider mix of uses to meet the evolving function of our town centres". From the 14-18th April, BBC South East will be getting out and about on our region's high streets. Catch up on BBC South East Today on BBC iPlayer and listen to BBC Radio Kent, Sussex and Surrey on BBC Sounds. James, who works in the Chatham Intra - the town's creative and heritage quarter - said: "I've seen the creative community develop since I've been working here." That marries up with the IBDR statistics, which show an increase in retail businesses from 685 in 2023 to 710 in 2024. Antwon feels the high street is "getting there slowly but surely", adding that "development is the key". Sam Maric and Sara Woodley have been running No.64 Coffee & Brunch in the heart of Chatham for just over five years. "We just open every day and see what comes," Sam said, describing business as "totally unpredictable". Having survived the pandemic, Sam says they are now experiencing "worse" cost of living pressures. Until last year, Matt Simms was able to rely on small business rate relief for the Unique Boxing & Kickboxing Gym, which has been on the high street for 15 years. In April, a 75% discount to rates was replaced by a discount of 40%, up to a maximum of £110,000. Matt's £957 charge in 2024 rose to £2,794 this year. The government has been approached for a comment. Matt says he is "having to try to evaluate different ways of how to absorb those costs". He admits it's "tough" to operate in this part of the high street but feels his gym offers people a sense of belonging. Dr Tim Akers, development manager of the Federation of Small Business in Kent and Medway, believes the high street is in a "disastrous" state. "I started in this role at the tail end of Covid. It was better then," he says, blaming the cost of living crisis. He said when the middle class feel the pinch "that's when small businesses suffer". The recent increase to employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs) has been particularly difficult, he added. Though a gloomy picture, Tim is confident businesses can recover but need to be confident that "there aren't going to be any more fiscal shocks". A spokesperson for Medway Council said: "We recognise Chatham High Street has suffered particularly since the pandemic and needs help to once again become the vibrant town centre it was loved for. "Nevertheless, millions of pounds are being invested in Chatham's town centre, and there is still much on offer including independent shops, thriving theatre and award winning café and art gallery." Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Plans to develop Chatham Docks get green light Council to fund shopping centre project Plans could breathe new life into town - council 'It would be nice to smarten up the area' Regeneration in Chatham Transform Leatherhead
BBC News
14-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Leatherhead and Chatham: A tale of two high streets:
A difficult financial climate and declining footfall are making it harder to become a high street success is certainly the case in the Surrey town of Leatherhead and Chatham in Kent, both of which are at the centre of regeneration the projects promise plenty, businesses are trying to survive amid quieter high streets and greater overheads. BBC South East has been out to meet shoppers and businesses over a busy Easter holiday break to get their views on their high street. Leatherhead's footfall Leatherhead resident Paul thinks the town should be "more successful than it is"."The money's here, there's lots of wealthy people here but they don't shop in Leatherhead," he to data from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR), Mole Valley - the main towns of which are Dorking and Leatherhead - saw a 13% reduction in retail businesses between 2023 and 2024. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) says this figure is based on "misrepresenting data" due to some businesses being incorrectly classified. Lucio Dilena, the owner of Lucio's Coffee & Deli, admits the town "does lack in footfall" but says a good reputation ensures his business remains strong. Lucio really notices a difference on the days when there are market stalls on the high street."It's great, because if the town's busy, everyone's busy," he said its Transform Leatherhead regeneration programme aims to "revitalise" Leatherhead town centre and reposition the town by providing a "wider mix of uses to meet the evolving function of our town centres". From the 14-18th April, BBC South East will be getting out and about on our region's high streets. Catch up on BBC South East Today on BBC iPlayer and listen to BBC Radio Kent, Sussex and Surrey on BBC Sounds. Chatham's challenge James, who works in the Chatham Intra - the town's creative and heritage quarter - said: "I've seen the creative community develop since I've been working here."That marries up with the IBDR statistics, which show an increase in retail businesses from 685 in 2023 to 710 in 2024. Antwon feels the high street is "getting there slowly but surely", adding that "development is the key".Sam Maric and Sara Woodley have been running No.64 Coffee & Brunch in the heart of Chatham for just over five years."We just open every day and see what comes," Sam said, describing business as "totally unpredictable".Having survived the pandemic, Sam says they are now experiencing "worse" cost of living pressures. Until last year, Matt Simms was able to rely on small business rate relief for the Unique Boxing & Kickboxing Gym, which has been on the high street for 15 April, a 75% discount to rates was replaced by a discount of 40%, up to a maximum of £110,000. Matt's £957 charge in 2024 rose to £2,794 this government has been approached for a says he is "having to try to evaluate different ways of how to absorb those costs". He admits it's "tough" to operate in this part of the high street but feels his gym offers people a sense of belonging. Dr Tim Akers, development manager of the Federation of Small Business in Kent and Medway, believes the high street is in a "disastrous" state."I started in this role at the tail end of Covid. It was better then," he says, blaming the cost of living said when the middle class feel the pinch "that's when small businesses suffer".The recent increase to employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs) has been particularly difficult, he a gloomy picture, Tim is confident businesses can recover but need to be confident that "there aren't going to be any more fiscal shocks".A spokesperson for Medway Council said: "We recognise Chatham High Street has suffered particularly since the pandemic and needs help to once again become the vibrant town centre it was loved for. "Nevertheless, millions of pounds are being invested in Chatham's town centre, and there is still much on offer including independent shops, thriving theatre and award winning café and art gallery."
