Update following the March full council meeting
Published: 19 March 2026
Full Council Meeting – Update following the meeting held on 18th March
At this month’s Full Council meeting, councillors discussed finances, how the Council is run, and priorities for the year ahead.
Here are the key points 👇
Statutory & Financial Decisions
Several core statutory decisions were made to maintain financial oversight and accountability:
✔️ Budget monitoring reports reviewed
✔️ Overspends and EMR (Earmarked Reserve) allocations noted
✔️ Transfers to and from reserves considered as part of year-end planning
✔️ Accounts for payment approved
📊 What this means: The Council continues to demonstrate careful financial management, with reserves used appropriately to support agreed projects while maintaining a strong overall position.
Governance
Governance remains a key area of focus as the Council prepares for future change:
✔️ Surrey Heath have almost finished the Community Governance Review, which proposes creating a new, separate parish council for Windlesham.
✔️To support the implementation of this change, council will be moving to a more streamlined and cohesive structure helping ensure the transition is carried out effectively.
✔️ Ongoing work to align with the emerging West Surrey Unitary Authority
📌 What this means: This is a positive step towards a more unified and effective way of working, strengthening decision-making while continuing to reflect the needs of all parts of the parish.
Priorities & Workstreams
With increasing demands on resources, Council has taken a clear and focused approach:
✔️ Priority given to statutory services and essential delivery
✔️ Wider workstreams reviewed to ensure capacity is used effectively
✔️ Lower priority items deferred where appropriate
⚖️ What this means: A deliberate and responsible focus on delivering for residents while navigating wider structural change.
Notable Committee & Strategic Decisions
Further important areas of progress included:
✔️ Continued discussions on potential asset transfers, subject to affordability and long-term sustainability
✔️ Strengthening Neighbourhood Plan governance to support local ownership
✔️ Coordinated engagement with external partners and authorities
🔍 What this means: The Council is taking a measured, forward-looking approach, ensuring decisions are sustainable and in the best interests of the community.
In Summary
A meeting focused on stability, clarity, and future readiness:
• Strong financial oversight ✅
• Positive evolution of governance ✅
• Clear focus of priorities ✅
All aimed at keeping the Council running effectively and supporting the community.