Surrey is to get new devolved powers and a cash injection from central government after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt signed off a new ‘County Deal’ in his Spring Budget today.

Following the announcement of the intention to pursue a deal at the Autumn Statement last year, Surrey County Council officials have been working with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to agree the details of the deal.

That work has now been completed and Surrey’s County Deal confirmed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of the government’s Spring Budget.

Once implemented, Surrey’s devolution framework agreement will see:

  • the devolution of the Adult Education Budget and funding for Free Courses for Jobs;
  • the integration of Local Enterprise Partnership functions;
  • new land assembly and compulsory purchase power transferred to the Council; and
  • the Council taking on strategic oversight for the delivery of future rounds of UKSPF.

The agreement also signals an intention for further devolution from central government to Surrey, with Surrey able to deepen their devolution arrangements over time, subject to Government agreement.

06/03/2024. London, United Kingdom. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt poses outside 11 Downing Street with the Red Box, alongside the other Treasury ministers, before he delivers the Budget to parliament. 10 Downing Street. Picture by Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt poses outside 11 Downing Street with the Red Box, alongside the other Treasury ministers, before he delivers the Budget to parliament (Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street)

The Government will also continue to work with Surrey on important areas of public service reform and infrastructure investment, to support inclusive economic growth in towns, cities and rural areas whilst tackling climate change, on our journey to 2030.

Surrey County Council says the agreement of the deal will not require any structural reform of local government or unitarisation “of any form”, and crucially does not require there to be a Directly Elected Mayor (DEM).

The 12 councils (11 district and borough councils and the county council) retain their sovereignty, which aligns with the partnership work already taking place across the county.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt holds his ministerial box as he leaves 11 Downing Street to deliver the governments annual Budget
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt holds his ministerial box as he leaves 11 Downing Street to deliver the governments annual Budget (Kirsty O'Connor/HM Treasury)

Tim Oliver, leader, Surrey County Council, said the devolution deal will ensure “residents of Surrey will not be left behind”.

He added local government is “best placed to deliver what Surrey needs” and hinted that Surrey could receive further devolved powers “in due course” including more control over local growth, learning provision, the climate agenda, public transport, and housing.

Cllr Oliver concluded: “This is a positive step in delivering more power to communities.”