Pilots prove powerful in strengthening local voices
ßÙßÇÂþ»’s four Neighbourhood Area Committee (NAC) pilot areas have been recognised as a success at ßÙßÇÂþ»s most recent Cabinet meeting. At the end of January, our Cabinet confirmed their proposal to continue the model following strong support from partners and residents.
The pilots, which ran from July to December 2025, were designed to test, learn and grow a new approach to neighbourhood level decision making. With positive feedback and strong partnership engagement, NACs will play an important role in how local priorities are shaped in the years ahead.
Bringing communities closer to decision making
The NAC pilot programme set out to test how local priorities could be better shaped by the people who know their areas best. NACs have been launched in:
- Dorking
- East Elmbridge
- Farnham
- North Tandridge
The evaluation found overwhelmingly positive results, with 100% of survey respondents from the committees supporting the continuation of the model, 83% said NACs had already had a positive impact on their work.
A joined up approach to local needs
The NACs bring together representatives from health, policing, education, voluntary community and social enterprise organisations, local councils and community groups. These groups have worked together to identify shared priorities such as:
- supporting young people’s wellbeing
- developing community food initiatives
- improving local economic resilience.
Local leaders have welcomed the impact see what they have to say in our .
What’s next for NACs?
- Continuing the four pilot NACs up to the pre election period in 2026.
- Sharing learning across ßÙßÇÂþ», including with the new Shadow Authorities launching in May 2026.
- Exploring expansion of the pilots to one or two further areas from May 2026 onwards.
More information on the four pilot areas including where resident’s can have their say, meeting notes and membership details can be found from here Neighbourhood Area Committees web page.