The Surrey County Council Cabinet met in a pivotal Cabinet meeting held on April 23, 2024, at the Council Chamber, Woodhatch Place, Reigate, Surrey County Council pushed forward with several significant community initiatives. The meeting, which was webcast live, underscored the council's ongoing commitment to enhancing local facilities and services across the county. The Agenda & associated reports pack for this meeting can be found at the bottom of this article and is available for download.
Key among the decisions was the approval of funding for the renovation of utility blocks at the Kalima Gypsy Roma Traveller Camp in Woking. The Cabinet unanimously agreed to allocate funds from the Capital Maintenance Budget to improve the camp's facilities, addressing long-standing issues related to their condition and compliance with health and safety standards. This decision comes as a relief to residents who have been advocating for improvements to ensure the site meets modern living standards. This decision aligns with the aspiration of the Council "no one left behind".
Kevin Deanus, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, and Resilience, presented an update that highlighted recent advancements in emergency services operations, including the investment in state-of-the-art drones to enhance firefighting capabilities and public safety. This technological uplift enables real-time critical decision-making during emergencies, showcasing Surrey's proactive approach to community safety.
Further on the agenda, the Cabinet reviewed funding applications under the Your Fund Surrey initiative, which aims to empower local communities by supporting projects that are beneficial to public welfare and community cohesion. Among the approved applications were the Ash Vale Community Wellbeing Meeting Place and New Scout Headquarters, and the Epsom Sports Club Old Schools Lane Pavilion. These projects reflect the council’s strategy to foster vibrant, supportive, and engaged communities across Surrey.
In financial matters, the Cabinet discussed the 2023/24 Month 11 (February) Financial Report, noting a solid fiscal position that strategically positions the council to continue its support for essential public services and community projects. The financial stewardship by the council ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, reflecting the administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.
As Surrey moves forward, the decisions taken at this Cabinet meeting are set to have a lasting positive impact on the county, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and setting a benchmark for local government responsiveness and responsibility
