SCC Cllr Helyn Clack – Update
Helyn Clack, Surrey County Councillor for Dorking Rural (the county division that includes Buckland) has circulated an update to the editors of the village magazines across her division to be considered for inclusion in the March edition.
The article is published below for your information.
“At last a very wet and cold spell may be behind us and a welcome to the hope of spring for all residents in Dorking Rural Villages.
Gatwick – Second Runway: GACC High Court Judicial Review
Regardless of the outcome and findings from the Judge, our thanks is extended to the Gatwick Area Conservation Committee (GACC) and its members for their diligent efforts in addressing the proposed changes.
The potential impact of a second runway or an increase in passenger numbers on the local environment, including noise, traffic, and pollution, underscores the importance of continued advocacy. The County Council has maintained regular meetings with councillors representing affected areas in Surrey to ensure they remain informed as plans progress. These communications will continue following
the election in May. I hope to maintain my role as Vice Chair of GATCOM over the next year to represent residents within my division and across Surrey.
Gatwick Airport Flight Route for Departures on Route 4
Local residents are encouraged to participate in the public consultation regarding the Route 4 proposal to reintroduce satellite navigation, particularly those most affected. This 14-week consultation period covers proposals for satellite-based navigational
procedures on Route 4—one of nine departure routes from London Gatwick and includes drop-in events, online webinars, and access to detailed maps. These initiatives form part of a UK government programme aimed at modernising national airspace.
Further details on how to provide feedback are set out in a separate news item.
Surrey County Council Highways
It is essential that residents continue to identify and report potholes, particularly during this wettest and coldest season of the year. Without public assistance, costs would be significantly higher; reporting potholes remains a cost-effective and widely used practice by most highway authorities. The majority of reported potholes are repaired within days, with priority given to those posing the greatest risk of damage or harm. Including a photo with your report is highly beneficial. Please note that sometimes only the main pothole is addressed, while surrounding shallow or edge potholes may not be repaired immediately. Additionally, some repairs may not be permanent; however, the council monitors deteriorating road conditions and will schedule more comprehensive repairs later in the spring, incorporating them into future resurfacing programmes.
In Buckland, my focus continues to be to improve communications between Surrey Highways, Utility companies and the village, In the meantime, please continue to report damaged roads via the report it function on the SCC website.
Despite considerable rainfall this season, work by local landowners and residents have helped to keep their drainage systems flowing. Should you have concerns about potential flooding, please take appropriate precautionary measures. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) provides sandbags, and guidance on property protection is available online. If you notice a blocked roadside gulley or drain, please report it via the report it function on the SCC website.
Local Government Reform
The Government’s statutory instrument for unitary authority in Surrey was laid in Parliament in January 2026 and is tabled to be debated by the end of February when it is expected to come into force. The County Council Cabinet voted in favour of extending the pilot of the Neighbourhood Area Committees until the new East Surrey Council is in place to decide their future. Dorking and the villages NAC, whose members include the police, health workers and voluntary bodies as well as parish and local councillors have been working hard to identify priorities such as vulnerable people and isolated areas. Working together, to ensure that people who need support are able to access services to help them.
Budget
Surrey County Council is deciding on a proposed budget increase of 4.99%. Of this, 2% is allocated for Adult Social Services, while the remaining 2.99% covers areas such as highways, libraries, waste collection, strategic planning, children’s social services, transport (including buses), and additional support for rural bus services through demand-led transport. Education, including special needs, receives funding from the Government Department of Education (DfE), but the council pays for Home to School transport and uses reserves to meet the growing demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN). The government has announced that starting April 2026,
it will cover all costs related to SEN; however, at present, it is unclear whether they will reimburse the council for money already spent from its general fund to ensure ongoing assessment for children with SEN. If you have any concerns or issues you think I might be able to help with, please feel free to contact me.”
Article circulated Monday 2nd February 2026