TOGETHER WITH
Good Morning Surrey,
It is late February, that odd point in the year when the diary insists spring is close but the school run still feels like a night hike. In the inbox this week there is the usual mix of money, meetings and mud. Surrey County Council is lining up another wave of specialist school places, energy bill forecasts suggest a small drop from April, and there is a slow but definite drift towards Easter trails and spring fairs.
Today’s Midweek Brief is the calm sift through what actually nudges real life, new specialist school places being planned, a likely easing in energy bills from April, and the early run-up to spring trails and fairs, before the diary fills itself again.
In today’s edition
A major county plan to add hundreds more specialist school places from 2026
A quick Surrey lens on energy bills, US tariffs and new streaming standards
Updates on the East and West Surrey transition, plus a Reigate speed limit consultation
Warm Welcome venues, fresh community funding and Downs volunteering dates
Spring and Easter events, new council roles and trusted local trades
Let’s take a look.
—Prince Khurram
P.S. Our Monday Update leans more towards news, the Wednesday Midweek Brief balances news and events, and the Friday Weekender is lighter on news and fuller on events and Eat & Drink. We would really welcome your thoughts on this format and how we can improve The Surrey Digest for you.
News
Streaming giants to face Ofcom standards code
The government has confirmed plans to bring major video-on-demand platforms with more than 500,000 UK users under a new Ofcom standards code, broadly in line with broadcast TV. Proposed accessibility targets, such as higher levels of subtitles and audio description, will be consulted on before they become firm requirements, which will matter for many Surrey households who rely on streaming rather than traditional TV.
SEND investment to expand specialist school places
Source: Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council has signed off how it will use £16.14 million in High Needs Provision Capital Allocation for 2025/26, alongside £8.1 million in alternative capital funding, to create at least 220 new specialist places from 2026/27 and support two new free schools.
The programme backs new DfE-funded special schools at Betchwood Vale and Frimley Oak, offering around 350 places between them.
Since 2021 the wider SEND capital programme has already delivered about 1,577 new specialist places, roughly two thirds of the long-term plan.
The aim is to reduce long journeys, improve local support and ease pressure on families and school transport.
National headlines: why they matter in Surrey
Energy price cap forecast points to a small spring fall
MoneySavingExpert’s latest forecast suggests the Ofgem price cap on a typical dual-fuel direct debit bill could fall by around 7% from April, from £1,758 to roughly £1,630–£1,641, although the official decision has not yet been announced. For Surrey households it is more a slight easing than a windfall, but still useful if you are budgeting ahead.
New US tariffs add uncertainty for Surrey exporters
A new 10% “across-the-board” US import tariff has come into force for 150 days, with suggestions it could rise further, creating what the British Chambers of Commerce call fresh uncertainty for UK exporters. Engineering, tech and pharma firms in places like Guildford, Woking and Farnham that sell to the US may be reviewing contracts and pricing.
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County Updates
Progress towards East and West Surrey unitary councils
Surrey County Council has published an update on the transition to the new East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, including the next committee meetings and key dates for residents. Elections for the new unitaries are set for 7 May 2026, ahead of go-live in April 2027.
Voluntary Joint Committees for East and West Surrey have now met to shape early priorities.
The transition aims to reduce duplication and improve value for money across services.
Residents will be represented by new unitary councillors once the May 2026 elections are completed.
Further information will be provided on how existing services will move under the new structures.
Wray Lane, Reigate speed limit reduction proposals
A new consultation looks at reducing speed limits on Wray Lane and nearby roads in Reigate, reflecting how heavily the route is used as a cut-through. Proposals focus on bringing some 30mph stretches down to 20mph and 40mph down to 30mph, rather than changing a 50mph limit.
The scheme covers Wray Lane and roads that see regular local and through traffic.
A local explainer sets out the background, concerns, and the impact on drivers.
Residents, walkers and cyclists are encouraged to respond to official consultation.
Final decisions will depend on feedback and formal council sign-off later this year.
Community Digest
Your Fund Surrey backs seven new community projects
Over £537,000 from Your Fund Surrey has been awarded to seven community projects this month, backing everything from local facilities to new activities for residents. The schemes are spread across the county, with full details in the council’s announcement.
Fernleigh Community Hub, Walton-on-Thames
Fernleigh Community Hub near Walton-on-Thames offers daytime activities and support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, with a strong focus on community involvement. Sessions from creative projects to life skills and social groups.
Downlands Partnership conservation volunteering
Downlands Partnership, run by Surrey Wildlife Trust with local councils, has a rolling programme of practical conservation task days across the North Downs. Volunteers help manage chalk grassland, hedgerows and woodlands, and no previous experience is needed.
Click here: To browse upcoming task days and sign up
🗓️ Events
Family & Kids
Hop into the wild trail | 16 February–15 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Polesden Lacey, near Great Bookham
Description: A self-guided family trail inspired by Disney & Pixar’s Hoppers, running through the grounds at Polesden Lacey. Included with normal admission, this is a gentle way to stretch small legs in the mid-term lull before the Easter rush.
Easter Eggsplorers adventure | 28 March–12 April 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Hobbledown, Epsom
Description: Daily themed activities over the Easter school holidays, with trails, storytelling and play woven into the usual park visit. All activities are included in admission, so the main decision is how muddy the children are allowed to get.
Griffin Easter trail | 21 March–14 April 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Polesden Lacey, near Great Bookham
Description: A themed Easter trail running daily 10:00–15:00 with maps at £3.50 per child plus admission. Expect a mix of clues, chocolate and the usual Polesden views, ideal for a half-day out.
Sports & Fitness
Farnham Castle circular hike | Saturday 28 February 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Start near Farnham Castle, Farnham
Description: A guided 10km hike from 10:00–13:00 taking in Farnham Castle and nearby parkland. Priced around £10 per person, it is aimed at walkers with a basic level of fitness who want company and a clear route rather than another solo loop.
Special Events
Surrey countryside raceday | Saturday 28 February 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Lingfield Park Racecourse, Lingfield
Description: A countryside-themed raceday with gates from 11:30, first race at 13:32 and the last around 17:05. Alongside the racing there are rural displays and family-friendly activities, with kids-go-free offers flagged on the booking page.
Rose garden talks | Friday 27 February and Friday 6 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Polesden Lacey, near Great Bookham
Description: Short 45-minute talks at 11:00 in the Rose Garden, free with admission and no booking needed. A gentle way to pick up gardening tips and history while daydreaming about your own borders.
Spring Fair weekend | 11–12 April 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford
Description: A two-day spring fair from 10:00–16:00 with countryside activities, artisan stalls, live demonstrations and children’s entertainment. Early bird adult tickets start at about £12.50, with on-the-day prices higher, concessions available and under-16s and carers going free.
🛍️Markets
Spring Fair market | 11–12 April 2026 (Info)
Location: Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford
Description: Part of the Spring Fair weekend, this has a proper open-air market feel, with artisan makers, local producers, tastings and countryside-themed stalls. Good if you like browsing food, drink and crafts, less good if you were hoping to leave without adding to the pantry.
🍴🍷Eat and Drink
Restaurant of the Week | Theion
Location: Chapel Street, Guildford
Description: Theion is a modern Greek restaurant tucked just off Guildford High Street, serving a mix of refined sharing plates and generous mains. Expect familiar dishes like moussaka around the £20 mark alongside more indulgent options for sharing, with a short but thoughtful wine list.
Eat & Drink quick hits
Mandira’s Kitchen | Guildford (Info)
Location: Near Silent Pool, Albury
Description: A small Indian kitchen and deli beside Silent Pool, offering freezer meals, chai and street-food style dishes, plus occasional special curry nights. Handy for stocking the freezer or turning a Surrey Hills walk into a proper outing.
Silent Pool Distillers | Guildford (Info)
Location: Near Albury
Description: The distillery above Silent Pool runs tours and tastings, usually in the £20–£25 per person range, with a visitor shop on site. A neat option if you like a local production story alongside your weekend walk.
Food and drink at the Spring Fair (Info)
Location: Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford
Description: The Spring Fair weekend doubles as a showcase for local food and drink, with stalls from gelato and chocolate makers to coffee roasters, distillers and familiar Surrey names. It is the sort of event where “just a quick look” at the stalls turns into lunch.
Local Jobs
Senior People Consultant (Schools HR) – Surrey County Council (Info)
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate (hybrid)
Description: Senior HR role supporting schools across the county, with a salary of £47,142 for a 36-hour week. Applications close on 8 March 2026, with interviews planned for 11 March.
Tribunal Officer (SEND Tribunals) – Surrey County Council (Info)
Location: Woking (hybrid)
Description: Specialist role handling SEND tribunal casework, with a salary band of £47,142–£51,175 for 36 hours. Applications close on 10 March 2026.
Library Assistant – Reigate Library (Info)
Location: Reigate
Description: Part-time front-of-house role helping borrowers and keeping services ticking over. The closing date is 26 February 2026, so there is only a short window if this appeals.
🏢 Directory
Sines Plumbing & Heating (Info)
Location: Based in Knaphill, covering Woking, Guildford and nearby areas
Description: Worcester-accredited plumbing and heating firm handling boiler installations, servicing and repairs. A sensible name to have saved for the week the heating decides it would like attention.
Mefone Woking – tech repairs (Info)
Location: Anchor Crescent, Knaphill (Woking area)
Description: Local repair shop handling same-day fixes for phones, tablets and laptops, with a three-month warranty on most repairs and a straightforward pricing structure. Handy when a cracked screen or dead battery is all that stands between you and a working day.
And Finally,
If you’re out near the Downs this week, you’ll probably pass the same familiar cast, a determined runner, a muddy dog, and someone weighing up whether it’s ice-cream weather yet. If you’ve got a low-key spring walk you quietly rate, hit reply and send it over. We’ll keep a few in mind for the weeks ahead.
Thank you for reading. See you on Friday.
