Guildford Councillor Slams Surrey’s Devolution Plan as ‘Stitch-Up’
Surrey County Council’s proposed Level 2 devolution deal, which promises increased powers and funding from central government, is facing strong opposition from Guildford Borough Council, with one councillor branding it an “enormous stitch-up” for the borough. The deal involves the transfer of responsibilities for areas like adult education, transport, housing, and regeneration, alongside a £100 million infrastructure fund over 30 years.
However, Guildford councillors, particularly Cllr Joss Bigmore, leader of the Residents for Guildford and Villages group, express deep concerns that the arrangement will put Guildford in a “very difficult situation.” The primary risk highlighted is a significant loss of local influence and autonomy, fearing Guildford will become a “branch office” of Surrey County Council. This democratic deficit means crucial decisions affecting Guildford’s residents and future development could be made by the larger county body, where Guildford’s direct representation and voice might be diluted.
Financially, there are anxieties that Guildford, a significant economic contributor and net council tax payer to the county, will see its resources used to subsidize other parts of Surrey without sufficient direct benefit or control over how funds are allocated locally. Cllr Bigmore argues that Guildford, with its strong economy, University, and research park, deserves greater self-determination to drive its own growth and contribute effectively to the wider region.
The borough council also criticises the perceived lack of meaningful consultation in shaping the deal, which was primarily negotiated between Surrey County Council and the central government. While devolution aims to bring decision-making closer to local communities and tailor solutions, Guildford believes this specific Level 2 deal, lacking an elected mayor often seen in more comprehensive Level 3 arrangements, disproportionately benefits the county council at the expense of district and borough councils. The fear is that if the deal proceeds, Guildford’s unique needs and priorities will be overlooked, hindering its ability to thrive independently within the county structure.
The devolution debate raises concerns about how local planning decisions, including guildford kitchen extension planning applications, might be affected by regional governance changes.
The councillor argued that rushed infrastructure decisions could affect local planning applications, including residential projects like a typical Guildford kitchen diner extension.
(Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/surrey-council-devolution-enormous-stitch-32780985)
