Izzy Lepone 28 July 2025

Reforms could push council into ‘S114 territory’, leader warns

Reforms could push council into ‘S114 territory’, leader warns image
Sign for Surrey County Hall in front of a historic building with parked cars and trees. © Brookgardener / Shutterstock.com.

Leader of Surrey County Council has expressed concerns about the Fair Funding reforms and the financial challenges they pose.

In a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, Cllr Tim Oliver highlighted the funding issues to be expected for Surrey CC if the Government proceeds with council tax reforms.

Even if council tax were to be increased, said Cllr Oliver, it would not be possible to fill the budget gaps, leading the council to a ‘cliff edge’.

Cllr Oliver warned that the council must ‘drive efficiencies wherever possible’ to manage its budget, or potentially end up in ‘Section 114 territory’.

‘We will not allow this council to get into that position’, said Cllr Oliver.

He added that the council will do ‘everything’ it can, including lobbying the Government and managing its budget locally to ensure that ‘the right services’ continue to be delivered to residents.

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