Devolution deal for Surrey County Council moving closer, papers say

Surrey's devolution deal appears to be moving closer, with a council document saying the government hopes to put plans in place "as soon as possible".

Surrey County Council's cabinet is set to authorise the next steps in the county deal process on Tuesday.

The deal was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his autumn statement last November.

It would give Surrey more decision making powers over transport, adult education and support for businesses.

Meetings have been ongoing between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the leaders of seven councils across the country being offered more devolved powers.

A report for Surrey's cabinet said: "It is understood that DLUHC's intentions are to agree County Deal Framework Agreements with any of the seven county areas that wish to do so, as soon as possible."

But the report also said timings for next steps could mean Surrey's county deal may not be finalised until after a general election.

Next steps include council officers continuing discussions and negotiations with government, and senior leaders finalising a draft agreement.

The council's leader, Tim Oliver, said at the time the deal was confirmed it was a positive step in delivering more power to communities.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said it wants to get devolution deals in place by 2030 for every part of England that wants one.

Levelling Up Secretary, and Surrey Heath MP, Michael Gove said: "This historic devolution milestone shows our commitment to spreading opportunity more equally across the country."

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