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We are marking one year of strong progress on our Improvement Plan

Millmead offices

The Plan sets out a clear path to ensure we continue to meet our 'Best Value' duty across the organisation and in our Housing Service, with progress monitored by an Independent Assurance Panel (IAP). 

This latest report, to be presented to Full Council on 29 July 2025, outlines the progress made over the past six months and will be accompanied by the IAP's second assessment. The Panel concludes that we are continuing to make significant strides in delivering the Improvement Plan, but must keep focused as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) progresses in Surrey.

Commenting on this latest report, Councillor Julia McShane, Leader of the Council said: 

"As a Council, we are proud of what we have delivered so far, hitting major milestones in our Housing Service. But this is a long-term programme of work, and we want to go further, continuing to improve our service for our residents. The ongoing delivery of the Improvement Plan will put us and our service to residents in a better place as we move through the local government reorganisation process in Surrey. 

"Year one of the Improvement Plan focused on strengthening the fundamentals, working better with our Tenant Engagement Group and improving how the whole Council operates. In Year 2, we'll look to improve the experience and service we provide to our residents, partners, and staff." 

Chair of the Independent Assurance Panel, Andrew Flockhart, added: 

"It is the view of the Panel that the Council's Improvement Plan continues to be fit for purpose. The Council has made good progress with the delivery of the Plan in many key areas, and this is enabling them to plan and deliver improvement more effectively and efficiently.   

"The Council's risk in meeting its statutory duty to deliver Best Value has diminished significantly. It must continue to support delivery of the plan and maintain its focus on the existing risks and issues in order to maintain this reduced risk position.  

"Amongst the most significant risks the Council faces to the delivery of improvement across the board is the resource of every kind that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey will demand. The scale, complexity and speed of the LGR process will require huge amounts of time and effort from Councillors and officers alike.  

"While substantial progress has been achieved in the last 12 months, the Improvement Plan stretches over a three-year period for good reason. Significant issues and risks remain, which the council must continue to address. It is essential the council stays on track and continues to improve to fully deliver the objectives outlined in its Improvement Plan." 

We are grateful for the Independent Assurance Panel's continued support and scrutiny during the first year of the Plan's delivery.

The next update will be presented to Full Council in January 2026. 

The first 6-month report can be found here.

Read the full Improvement Plan report (opens new window)

Published 22 July 2025.