Surrey council facing £57m budget cuts

Council leader Tim Oliver is promising a balanced budget for 2025

Surrey County Council has identified £57m of savings from its budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Conservative-run authority's cabinet agreed the draft document on Tuesday.

The council says it will prioritise essential services, while promising to deliver a balanced budget.

Council leader Tim Oliver has warned "there is more to do to" in order to balance the books.

He said: “All our key services, including social care, children’s services, and highways maintenance – are facing higher demand, higher costs, and reduced funding.

“We must find ways to continue to support those residents who need us most, and to deliver the services that people rely on every day."

The authority has identified £57m in savings for the coming financial year

The draft budget was put out for public consultation between August and September, with a new round running until 31 December.

The proposed financial plans have four priorities - to grow the economy, tackle health inequality, "enable a greener future" and create "empowered and thriving" communities.

The budget will be formally set in January, with a full council election taking place on 1 May.

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