East Surrey Council Leaders Also Want to Stay ‘On Track’ With Reorganisation Programme
By James Moules local democracy reporter East Surrey’s shadow council leader has insisted that the county’s council restructure remains “on track” after the government hit pause on planned reforms following new legal advice. His view is similar to that of his party colleague Cllr Paul Follows, leader…
Shadow Councils Consider Tourism Tax
By James Moules local democracy reporter Surrey’s two new shadow unitary councils are considering a “tourism tax” to help buoy their finances amid major changes to local government in the area. This tax on overnight stays, which regional mayors will be allowed to charge under government plans,…
Dragon Interview: Opposition Leader on Reorganisation Pause
Following the interview with the leader of West Surrey shadow authority Dragon editor Martin Giles sought the views of Cllr Jane Austin the Conservative leader of the opposition. Earlier she had commented: “Surrey moved first and moved fast on LGR [local government reorganisation], in good faith and…
Dangerous E Coli Levels Found in River Wey
By Esme Campbell Swimmers in the River Wey face a higher risk of illness as tests show E.coli levels rocketed to over double the safe maximum in August. St Catherine’s swimming spot in Guildford contained 2.4 times the guideline figure for E coli bacteria, tests by the…
Interview: Council Leader Paul Follows on Local Government Reorganisation Pause
News that the Government is to pause local government reorganisation for all areas involved except Surrey came as a shock to everyone yesterday (September 7) outside Government. See: Legal Challenges Halt Council Reorganisation Elsewhere – But Surrey Is Unaffected In this interview, Dragon editor Martin Giles questions…
Legal Challenges Halt Council Reorganisation Elsewhere – But Surrey Is Unaffected
By Martin Giles Surrey will proceed with local government reorganisation next year despite a Government decision to withdraw plans for new unitary authorities in four counties, following legal challenges from Reform councils. The counties affected are Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Meanwhile, plans for 14 other areas will…
Conservative Councillors Back Candidate London Mayor’s Pledge on ULEZ Review
By James Moules local democracy reporter Surrey’s Conservative shadow authority opposition leaders have thrown their weight behind a London mayoral candidate’s pledge to review the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Braintree MP Sir James Cleverly resigned from the Tory shadow cabinet at the end of August to…
Tributes Paid by Families to East Clandon Road Casualties
The families of two men who died in a collision in Epsom Road, East Clandon, on August 21, have paid tribute to them this week. Officers were called to Epsom Road just after 11pm on Friday, August 21, following a report of a collision involving a white…
Airport Expansion Plans: ‘An Example Of An Issue At The Heart Of The Climate Crisis’
By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporting service The newly-formed West Surrey Council is expected to throw its weight against expansion at…
Guildford Man Jailed After Police Find Drugs And £20,000 In His Car
A 50-year-old Guildford man who was suspected of drug dealing was pulled over by police while driving his Alfa Romeo on…
Flames Season Starts with the Challenge Cup
By Don Starr The 2026-27 season starts this Saturday, September 12 with the first games in the Challenge Cup competition. Guildford…
NHS Plea On Mental Health: ‘Check in On People You Know Who May Need Support’
Today (September 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day and the NHS is reminding the public of the importance of checking in…
West Surrey Council Set to Confirm New Chief Executive
Subject to agreement at an Extraordinary West Shadow Authority meeting later today (Thursday, September 10), the West Surrey Shadow Council is…
Recent Comments