Agenda and draft minutes

(a). To elect the Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026-2027.

(b). The Mayor to make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Outgoing Mayor read out the following statement:

As my year as Mayor of Spelthorne comes to an end, I would like to reflect on a truly rewarding and memorable year.

It has been a great honour to serve the Borough and meet the wonderful residents, community groups, businesses and charities that make Spelthorne such a special place.

I am especially grateful to everyone who supported my nominated charities: Stanwell Community Group, 1st Stanwell Air Scout Group, Families Thriving Together and Spelthorne Museum. Your generosity has helped raise valuable funds and awareness for these fantastic organisations.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the Mayoress, Cllr Susan Doran, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Sandra Dunn, for their constant support throughout the year. I am also grateful to my fellow councillors, the staff at Spelthorne for their professionalism and hard work behind the scenes, and especially my PA, Maxine, whose advice, support and good humour made the year so much easier and enjoyable.

Finally, I thank all the residents, volunteers and local organisations for their kindness and support. As I hand over the chain of office, I do so with great pride in our community and confidence in the future.

Election of Mayor for 2026/27

Councillor Nichols proposed and Councillor Sexton seconded that Councillor Dunn be appointed the Mayor for 2026/27.

Councillor Boughtflower proposed and Councillor Lee seconded that Councillor Clarke be appointed the Mayor for 2026/27.

Councillor Dunn received 20 votes

Councillor Clarke received 9 votes

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Dunn as Mayor of Spelthorne Borough Council for 2026/27.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 30 April 2026.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 30 April 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members.

Councillors Attewell, Boparai, Mooney and Sexton declared that they were also Surrey County Councillors.

Councillors Barker, Bateson, Boparai and Sexton declared that they were also West Surrey Councillors.

Councillor Nichols declared that he sat on the Knowle Green Estates Board of Directors.

(a). To elect the Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026-27.

(b). The Deputy Mayor to make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Councillor Bateson proposed and Councillor Williams seconded that Councillor Gibson be appointed the Deputy Mayor for 2026/27.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Gibson as Deputy Mayor of Spelthorne Borough Council for 2026/27.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The incoming Mayor made the following announcements:

Firstly, I would like to thank all those that have supported me tonight in my bid to become the last Mayor of the Borough of Spelthorne and to my family and friends who have come along tonight to be with me.

I am deeply honored to serve the Borough and to follow the path of all the previous mayors who have come before me.  Having lived in the Borough for many years, I care deeply about our communities and the people who make Spelthorne such a special place to live. I am looking forward to meeting residents across the Borough, supporting local organisations and working with the Deputy Mayor and fellow Councillors during what promises to be an important year for local government. 

During my year as Deputy Mayor I have attended many of the functions that Cllr John Doran has organised, and this will help enormously with my term ahead.  My thanks to John and his consort Sue for their support when my husband passed away in October last year and for their offer to help this year on my committee and during the year.

My Consort for the mayoral term will be my daughter, Emma Clare, and she will be attending as many functions as she can whilst working full-time and being a busy Mother.  I count myself lucky to have this support and together we hope to make the dream team.

I hope that the events that my committee and I will organise to raise funds for the charities that I have chosen to sponsor will be well attended by Councillors and that together we can really make a difference in the 10 months that remain of this authority.

My charities are –

·         The Patient Cancer Support Group – a Shepperton-based charity providing a safe and supportive space for cancer patients, carers and bereaved families

·         Holly’s Heroes – a Staines charity bringing moments of happiness and support to children and families affected by cancer

·         East to West – helping young people and children facing mental health challenges and difficult circumstances

·         Home-Start Spelthorne – trained volunteers offering practical and emotional support to local families with young children who are experiencing difficulties

Please join me at the end of this Annual Council Meeting for a buffet and refreshments to celebrate and join together to make a great success of the remaining time of Spelthorne Borough Council.

To elect the Leader of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026-27.

Councillor Gyawali proposed and Councillor Barker seconded that Councillor Neal be appointed the Leader of the Council for 2026/27.

Councillor Williams proposed and Councillor J Doran seconded that Councillor Sexton be appointed the Leader of the Council for 2026/27.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Neal as Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council for 2026/27.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader made the following announcements:

Residents’ views are incredibly important to us. Your feedback helps shape the Council’s policies, improve services and ensure we are focusing on what matters most to our communities. That is why it is vital that everyone takes the opportunity to get involved in our consultations and surveys. The more people who share their views, the better informed our decisions will be.

We are currently consulting on the draft Affordable Housing SPD, which provides guidance on delivering affordable housing through the new Spelthorne Local Plan, including housing requirements, design standards and developer contributions.

We are also consulting on an update to the adopted Climate Change SPD 2023. This guidance explains how new developments across the borough can help reduce the impact of climate change while ensuring our communities are resilient and able to adapt to future challenges. These two consultations are open until Friday 5 June.

In addition, residents are invited to comment on proposals to redevelop part of Memorial Gardens in Staines-upon-Thames with a new outdoor multi-use games area. We believe the proposed improvements would encourage more physical activity, create a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages, and bring new energy to the area for young people, families, and the wider community. The proposal includes removable fencing to ensure the area can continue to host events such as Staines-upon-Thames Day. It is important that all age groups are represented in this conversation so that any plans reflect the needs and views of the whole community. The consultation is open until Sunday 21 June.

I would also like to remind residents that small actions really can make a big difference and that reporting issues such as graffiti, litter, dog fouling, antisocial behaviour or suspected illegal houses in multiple occupation helps us protect and improve the places we all share. By working together and reporting concerns quickly, we can respond faster, target resources more effectively and prevent smaller issues from becoming bigger problems. Together, we can help keep Spelthorne clean, safe and welcoming for everyone. Please visit our website or call us to report an issue.

To elect the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026-27.

Councillor Neal proposed and Councillor Caplin seconded that Councillor Bateson be appointed the Deputy Leader of the Council for 2026/27.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Bateson as Deputy Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council for 2026/27.

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

There were none.

Council is asked to appoint committees and to agree the representation of the different political groups on Committees.

Pursuant to Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Council is asked to agree the representation of the different political groups on committees.

Council resolved to agree the allocations of seats to each political party.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, to appoint the members to serve on the Committees and Sub-Committee.

Subject to the following amendments being made:

Councillor Sexton to replace Councillor Beecher on the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee,

Councillor Beecher to replace Councillor Sexton on the Environment and Sustainability Committee,

Councillor Caplin to replace Councillor Neal on the Audit Committee; and

Councillor Neal to replace Councillor Gibson on the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee

Council resolved to agree the appointments of members to the Committees as outlined in the Supplementary Agenda:

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, to appoint Chairs and Vice-Chairs to serve on the above mentioned Committees and Sub-Committee.

Council resolved to agree the appointment of Chairs and Vice-chairs to the Committees as outlined in the Supplementary Agenda.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, to appoint the Substitute Members to serve on the Committees on Sub-Committee.

Council resolved to agree the appointment of the Committee Substitutes as outlined in the Supplementary Agenda.

Members of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee will be asked to agree proposed members of the Commercial Assets Sub-Committee.

The members of the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee (Councillors Boughtflower, Lee, Mooney, Attewell, Clarke, Buck, Gyawali, Bateson, Caplin, Turner, Sexton, Williams, Button, Geach, S Doran) resolved to agree the membership of the Commercial Assets Sub-Committee

Council is asked to appoint representatives to the following bodies:

1.     South West Middlesex Crematorium Board – for 2026-27

(1 representative and 1 deputy)

2.     Surrey Police and Crime Panel – for 2026-27

(1 representative)

The South West Middlesex Crematorium Board

Councillor Nichols proposed and Councillor Boughtflower seconded that Councillor Dunn be appointed as the Council’s representative on the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board.

Councillor Williams proposed and Councillor Boughtflower seconded that Councillor Clarke be appointed as the Council’s representative on the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Dunn as the Council’s representative on the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Clarke as the Deputy Representative on the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board.

The Police and Crime Commission

It was proposed by Councillor Button and seconded by Councillor Sexton that Councillor Burrell be appointed the Council’s representative on the Police and Crime Commission.

It was proposed by Councillor Boughtflower and seconded by Councillor Clarke that Councillor Saliagopoulos be appointed the Council’s representative on the Police and Crime Commission.

Council resolved to appoint Councillor Burrell as the Council’s representative on the Police and Crime Commission.

Council is asked to:

1.    Note the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) report dated March 2026;

2.    Approve the continuation of Special Responsibility Allowances for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee at 40% and 20% respectively of the Leader’s allowance, with no requirement for backdating;

3.    Approve the application of indexation to the Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances for 2026/27 in line with the 4% staff salary increase agreed by the Council, applying from 1 April 2026 for one year.

Members advised that they did not want to accept an increase in their allowances and wanted the money to go to charities throughout the Borough to benefit the residents of Spelthorne.

Council resolved to:

1.    Note the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel report dated March 2026,

2.    To not approve the continuation of Special Responsibility Allowances for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee at 40% and 20% respectively of the Leader’s Allowance, with no requirement for backdating; and

3.    To not approve the application of indexation to the Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances for 2026/27 in line with the 4% staff salary increase agreed by the Council, applying from 01 April 2026 for one year set out in Appendix B.

Council requested that a report be brought back to Council in July with options for them to consider on how best to utilise the funds in the Council’s budget originally set aside for the increase in members’ allowances.