Conservatives at Runnymede Borough Council are delivering high quality services and the lowest council tax in Surrey.
Cllr Tom Gracey, Leader of the Council, says: “The people of Runnymede have time-after-time put their trust in the Conservatives to run their Council. I'd like to think that we have shown our ability to reward them for that trust by providing a stable, continuous set of services, in contrast to our neighbours.
"Times are tough across the whole country right now and Runnymede is not immune to that. But we are setting an ambitious agenda for economic development, to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, and setting out our commitment to tackle climate change. We are on course to transform our social housing to make homes more energy efficient. Added to our ambitious plans for our town and village centres the future looks bright.”
In recent years the Council has invested significant sums on the regeneration of Addlestone - replacing the 1970s council offices with a modern energy efficient hub, and creating the ‘Addlestone One’ cinema and restaurant complex - and Magna Square and the Egham Orbit Leisure Centre.
“Addlestone One was held up at a conference at the University of Surrey as ‘regeneration done right’, and Magna Square has been put forward for awards," adds Tom.
Conservatives believe the Council has a key role in driving forward the regeneration of Runnymede.
Tom says: “Chertsey should have all the hallmarks of a good ‘Jane Austen type’ Regency town, but as the town has outgrown the infrastructure, and commuting happens by car. We need to improve school, GP provision and transport. Runnymede’s role as the local authority will be to make sure that regeneration happens and is good for the community.”
Tom was elected Conservative Leader and Leader of the Council last year. He is a British Army veteran who saw active service in Iraq and joined the council (as a councillor for Woodham & Row Town ward) to continue in public service.
He has signed Runnymede up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS), meaning there is a commitment to interview all military veterans who apply for a job at the Council, and help them with housing.