Povey stands down as Surrey Council leader

Cllr Andrew Povey is standing down as leader of Surrey County Council to develop his business interests. One issue is a personality clash with Cllr David Hodge who resigned as Deputy Leader a few days ago.

I have had some criticisms of Cllr Povey as well as some praise. I obviously wish him ever success for the future.

Cllr Hodge is now expected to stand for the leadership and would be the front runner. He is strong advocate  of value for money and might well review the unpopular Council policy of increasing car parking charges.

The most interesting policy that Surrey has been pursing recently is on libraries. Rather than closing them they are pursing the Big Society alternative of finding volunteers to take them over and this should become a reality in a few months time. I expect it will not just save money but result in an improved service. Resources will be allocated to books or computers according to what is needed. Most of all there will be improved opening hours - with the libraries open more on Saturdays and in the evenings when people actually want to use them.

I gather Cllr Hodge has had a lot to do with the initiative on libraries and he could well find the policy copied by other councils.