Surrey County Council

The meeting focused on major commissioning and funding pressures arising from local government reorganisation, changes in ICB arrangements, and the need to secure short-term continuity for VCSE and mental health-related services while moving toward strategic commissioning. Members discussed the Better Care Fund, single discharge model, and future contract constraints, alongside a substantial healthy weight programme and related prevention initiatives. There was also strong emphasis on neighbourhood health, data sharing, estates planning, and how to align procurement and partnership working with the new unitary structures.

The board reviewed the performance of Surrey County Council’s investment companies and property holdings for 2025-26, with several entities moving toward closure or disposal ahead of local government reorganisation. The discussion highlighted a recent retender by Surrey Choices, ongoing negotiations on its contract, and a reduction in recruitment costs through Surrey and Kent Commercial Services. The meeting also noted the commercial sensitivity of the detailed performance information and moved into exempt session for further discussion.

Key procurement-related discussions covered: approval and monitoring of the Internal Audit Charter and work plan; the Treasury Management Out-turn for 2025-26 with debt management decisions and future borrowing considerations; the Chief Internal Auditor’s annual opinion and counter fraud activity with emphasis on integration with procurement controls; and potential governance actions including referring DOLS/process improvements to the Adult Health and Social Care Committee. The discussions also highlighted capacity and culture issues affecting contract management and procurement practices.

The Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee discussed the Frimley Health 2.0 programme for Frimley Park Hospital, covering off-site replacement with retained parts of the current site, early engagement plans, environmental and transport considerations, and timelines. Key procurement-related themes included the use of an independent engagement partner (ORS), a 13-week public engagement with midpoint review, and the reliance on a nationally funded hospital programme with a 2035 deadline. Stakeholder input stressed accessibility, traffic, and clear, transparent feedback.

Key procurement and governance topics dominated the Surrey Local Pension Board meeting. The board discussed appointing an independent person under Fit for Future regulation, cyber assurance requirements, governance and investment strategy changes (including seven new partner funds and strategic asset allocation), and substantial digital improvements for member services (online refunds and portal enhancements). There were also notes on data security, cost controls, and ongoing audits guiding future procurement actions.

Two procurement-relevant topics were discussed. Item 1 covers Thames Water's deregistration request of a Whitley Common parcel to enable essential water-infrastructure upgrades; the council’s legal tests are met and officers recommend granting the deregistration, signaling potential civil-engineering procurement once funded. Item 2 provides the 2024 Authority Monitor for minerals and waste, highlighting capacity gaps, planned site allocations in a forthcoming Minerals & Waste Local Plan, and governance changes ahead of unitary authorities, with several actions including enforcement reporting and upcoming meetings.