The new Leader of Surrey County Council (SCC), David Hodge, has outlined a ‘new direction’ for the organisation, based on a “one team” approach, where “everyone’s views” were taken into consideration and “those best placed to decide” would be given the power to make decisions.
This new direction was demonstarted immediately as he announced that the council’s countywide policy for on-street parking would ‘end today’.
David also ackowledged the huge responsibility that comes with the role and pledged to do everything possible to further improve the services SCC provide to the people of Surrey. But he also made it clear that he believes the county will be stronger if everyone works together as one team.
He said: "I recognise completely the need to work in partnership with others as much as possible’ David said. ‘Nonetheless no one should be in any doubt that there will continue to be difficult decisions for us to take. And some will prove unpopular. As a county, we must live within our means. We have to work with the funds available to us. To fail to do so would be irresponsible."
He added: "We already know that the county council needs to save more than £200 million over the next four years. Our Public Value Review process has already identified £90 million of these savings and improved the quality of services. I am committed to continuing this work and finishing the job, whilst preserving frontline services."