Surrey Faces Funding ‘Cliff Edge’ Under Proposed Tax Reform
Surrey County Council may face a financial crisis if UK government reforms to council tax funding are approved. The proposed 100% equalisation model would redistribute funds evenly across all local authorities, reducing income for wealthier areas like Surrey. Council leader Cllr Tim Oliver warned this could lead to a budget deficit and potentially force the council to issue a Section 114 notice, halting all non-essential spending. While the government argues the current system is outdated, Surrey is pushing back, calling the plan a serious threat to essential services.