Christmas message from the Leader
Dear Residents,
As the year draws to a close, I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well. Christmas is a special time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments, big and small, that have shaped our year. Whether it’s been a year of joy, challenge, or change, I hope the festive season brings you some well-earned rest and time with those who matter most.
Here in Spelthorne, we’ve seen the strength of our community in so many ways, and I want to thank you for the part you’ve played - whether by supporting a neighbour, attending a local event, or simply taking pride in our shared spaces.
At the end of October, the Government announced plans to reorganise local government in Surrey by replacing the current 12 councils with two new unitary authorities. Spelthorne will become part of the West Surrey unitary authority, alongside Guildford, Runnymede, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking. While we had supported an alternative proposal for three authorities, we remain committed to working constructively to shape this transition and ensure the best possible outcomes for our residents. More information about what this means for you can be found on page 17.
We understand that many residents have expressed concerns about the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the Borough. Please be assured that we share these concerns and have begun implementing a clear action plan to strengthen the management and regulation of HMOs. All HMOs must be safe, well-managed, and considerate of the surrounding community. You can find more information on page 17. If you are experiencing issues with an HMO in your area, please let us know by reporting it at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/report.
As always, our priority is making Spelthorne a great place to live, work and enjoy. If you have any suggestions for us or there’s anything we can improve or fix, please do reach out and we will do our best to assist. We’re also keen to hear any positive feedback.
On behalf of myself, Deputy Leader Cllr Chris Bateson, and all the councillors and staff at Spelthorne Borough Council, I’d like to wish you a peaceful, joyful Christmas, and a happy, healthy start to 2026.
Cllr Joanne Sexton,
Leader of the Council cllr.sexton@spelthorne.gov.uk