To receive any announcements from the Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader made the following announcements:
“Local government reorganisation is well underway, with West Surrey councillors holding their second Joint Committee meeting last week. We reaffirmed our commitment to creating a strong, modern council that delivers high-quality services whilst ensuring a smooth transition. During the meeting I also asked about renaming the council to West Surrey and South Middlesex; however, the Chair confirmed that “West Surrey” is set out in the Structural Change Order and any change would be for the newly elected shadow cabinet to consider.
The government is asking areas across the country that are changing how their local councils are organised to say whether they are interested in creating a new type of joint authority. The government sees this as a first step towards having a mayor in the future. Councils in Surrey will look at this idea before the government’s deadline of 20 March.
On the 7 May, elections will be held for residents to elect councillors who will operate as a shadow authority and there will be 14 councillors in Spelthorne, across 7 Spelthorne divisions. More information about the elections will be available in the spring Bulletin magazine, which will be delivered at the end of March. This election is an important opportunity for residents to have their say so please make sure you are registered to vote no later than 20th of April.
While HMOs provide important housing options, an excessive concentration in one area or poorly designed properties can create issues. From 13 March, a borough wide Article 4 Direction will be in place, which means the automatic right to convert a normal house into a small HMO is removed and any conversion for 3 or more unrelated people must have planning permission.
This administration is dedicated to ensuring that HMOs do not negatively affect our borough and in addition to the above legislation, we also launched a public consultation on planning guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which closed yesterday. We will keep residents updated on the results of the consultation and any further actions that the Council will take.
The Public Spaces Protection Order introduced in May 2024 is making a real difference in Stanwell and Stanwell Moor. Over 2,000 warnings, 450 Fixed Penalty Notices, and five prosecutions have cut mini cab parking, noise, and anti-social behaviour. Thanks to our enforcement team!
Regarding the Stanwell Hotel, I continue to press the Home Office on residents’ concerns. Yesterday I wrote to Alex Norris, the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum asking for clarification on a number of points. Including, confirmation in writing, when the Home Office asylum accommodation contract with the owners of the hotel is due to expire. I am committed to keeping residents informed and ensuring their voices are heard. Updates will follow as progress is made.
Councillors have agreed to move the Ashford BID forward to the next stage. Consultants have been appointed and work on the project has now begun. Funding options are being developed to make sure the BID is affordable and delivers clear benefits for local businesses, alongside early discussions with key partners and businesses. Wider consultation will start at the end of March. A provisional ballot is planned for November to December 2026, with the BID expected to begin in April 2027”.