Lib Dems criticise County Deal for Surrey bid

The Lib Dems have criticised the Conservative Leader of Surrey County Council for unilaterally writing to the Government asking for a County Deal for Surrey.

On 10th August, Councillor Tim Oliver wrote to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, formally registering Surrey County Council's interest in more powers from Central Government as part of a County Deal for Surrey.

Councillor Oliver wrote to the Government without consulting County Councillors or Surrey's Borough and District Councils, and only informed Councillors of the bid over two weeks later.

Lib Dem Group Leader on Surrey County Council, Will Forster said:

"The Lib Dems on Surrey County Council and I are shocked that the Conservative Leader of Council has unilaterally expressed the Council's interest in a County Deal without consulting or even notifying County Councillors."

"If there is going to be a County Deal for Surrey, the process needs to be open, transparent and inclusive. The County Council must learn its lesson from the failed unitary authority bid that cost around a quarter of a million pounds and not repeat the same mistakes."

"The Lib Dems have urged the Leader of the Council to ensure that any further work on a County Deal involves County Councillors, Borough and District Councils, and local residents."