The Government’s decision to postpone county council elections robs millions of voters in Surrey and Hampshire of their fundamental right to choose their representatives, eroding public trust in the very institutions that claim to serve them.

County council elections are held every four years and serve as a vital mechanism for public accountability. Elections give citizens the chance to voice their concerns, hold decision-makers to account, and demand better governance. Delaying these elections denies communities of their fundamental democratic rights. Far from being a mere formality, elections are a cornerstone of democratic society.

Leaders of Surrey’s 11 district and borough councils, along with several MPs and councillors, had condemned the plan. In Hampshire, where similar discussions are underway, an online petition titled ‘Let Hampshire Vote’ had garnered 750 signatures in just over a week, uniting residents across party lines.

In Surrey, where the Conservative-led council has faced increasing scrutiny, the implications of a delay are particularly severe. Over the past year, the council has been fined more than £500,000 for repeatedly failing to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). One family was awarded over £10,000 after their child lost two years of education due to the council’s failures in providing adequate support.

The council’s financial problems are equally troubling. Surrey’s Conservative leader, Tim Oliver, recently requested government intervention to write off £1 billion in debt amassed by Woking Borough Council. A November 2024 report by Grant Thornton placed responsibility for this financial disaster on the shoulders of former Conservative leaders and Woking’s ex-chief executive.

Local frustrations have also boiled over regarding deteriorating public services, particularly road maintenance. Dangerous potholes have become a stark symbol of the council’s neglect, leaving residents and motorists deeply dissatisfied with Conservative leadership.

Rather than facing voters, Surrey’s Conservative leaders appear eager to avoid accountability. On 10 January, the council’s leader formally requested government legislation to postpone Surrey’s May 2025 elections. This undemocratic proposal has denied residents their right to vote and protect the Conservatives from facing the consequences of their governance failures.

The Conservative argument that devolution discussions justify postponing elections does not hold water. Devolution is intended to empower local communities, not strip them of their democratic rights. Delaying elections in the name of reform contradicts the principle that democracy relies on active and timely participation.

Voting is not a luxury to be granted at the convenience of those in power - it is a fundamental right. Whether electing exceptional Liberal Democrat candidates, or representatives of other parties, the public must have the opportunity to hold their leaders to account.

To deny this right has undermined public trust, weakened democratic institutions, and set a dangerous precedent for the future. Democracy must not be sidelined to serve the interests of those in power. The people deserve their voice, and it must not be silenced.

Khalil Yousuf

Former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate

Farnham and Bordon constituency

Whilst there is genuine concern over how the housing targets can be achieved both nationally and locally there appears to be an understanding that further development can only take place with investment in supporting infrastructure.

The new central government is also placing emphasis on strategic planning and it is, therefore, timely that there currently is a draft strategic transport plan open to public consultation.

Published in December by Transport for the South East (TfSE) I wonder how many people actually realise that such an organisation even exists. This strategic transport plan, which is 120 pages long, was written by consultants no doubt at great public expense and sets out a vision, a number of missions and how these might be delivered on which the public's views and opinions are currently being sought.

With work on implementing the town centre proposals in Farnham's Infrastructure Programme about to start it is important that TfSE's Strategic Plan recognises and appreciates that there is a real need for significant investment in new transport infrastructure in the Farnham area. There is also an exhibition of the proposals touring the South East with the nearest event being held in Guildford Library on Monday, February 24 between 10am and 4pm.

This isn't the first strategic transport plan that has been published and I am sure it won't be the last. I would, however, encourage as many local residents and organisations as possible to respond to this consultation by the deadline date of March 7, since only by drawing attention to our need for investment will there be any hope of ever realising the construction of a Western Relief Road that would allow full pedestrianisation of Farnham town centre.

Cllr David Beaman

Highfield Close

Farnham

With reference to the rebuild of the Farnborough Leisure Centre, I would like to ask the big question: will it include a sports hall?

The one they demolished had a double size hall, i.e. two halls that were always fully booked in the evenings.

Nationally, we have a huge shortage of sports halls and allowing people to play indoor sports all year round is vital for keeping the nation healthy.

The elephant in the room (if you excuse the pun) of saving the NHS, is making the general population healthier.

Gyms are not everyone's cup of tea, some people like to do exercise that is enjoyable, i.e. sport.

There was an attempt by the Conservatives in Farnham to fill up the Farnham sports hall with gym equipment because that makes more money, but a save our sports hall (SOS) campaign forced them to change their mind.

Peter Goodman

Former regular at Farnborough Leisure Centre

On behalf of my fellow Lions, I would like to thank all your readers for the support you have given the Petersfield Lions Club over the past year, with our various fundraising events, awareness and community service activities.

Allowing us to support the local community with events like the PSA testing day and the children’s lion hunt around the Heath Pond, plus support for Home-Start Butser families, The Kings Arms and Jasmine’s (CIMT) therapy, to name just a few.

We also had a tremendous response in these difficult times over the Christmas period with our envelope appeal and collection outside Tesco, raising over £1,600 towards Christmas Parcels, PACT Food Bank and selected local charities.

Petersfield Lions Club would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity over this past year. We wish you all good health and happiness for 2025.

Mary Putnam

President

Petersfield Lions Club