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Surrey County Council - Cllr Matt Furniss

Matt Furniss is Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, overseeing ambitious infrastructure and transport programs, with nearly two decades of local government experience and deep community roots.

Outside politics, he works for a local family-owned organic food business, maintaining connections to Surrey's independent business community.

Matt first entered local government in 2007 when he was elected as a councillor for the Guildford Borough Council (representing Christchurch ward). Over the years he built experience in local infrastructure and operations, eventually serving as Deputy Leader of the Borough Council with responsibility for infrastructure and transport.

In 2017 he expanded his public service by being elected to Surrey County Council (SCC), representing the Shalford division. Shortly after Matt was appointed to the SCC Cabinet as the Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.

In this capacity he has overseen a broad range of initiatives across Surrey. Under his leadership the Council committed large capital investments to highways and transport: for example, a major £264 million highways budget boost and additional resources for sustainable travel. He has championed public transport and sustainable mobility, including the rollout of hydrogen and zero emission buses — Surrey now operates Britain’s largest hydrogen bus fleets.

Matt has also overseen expansion of on demand bus services under the “Surrey Connect” scheme, with electric minibuses serving many towns and rural communities. He has pushed forward active travel improvements — more walking and cycling infrastructure, safer school route schemes, and efforts to meet climate and net zero ambitions.

Beyond transport, he plays a role in economic development: under his portfolio the Council relaunched a business forum to give the private sector greater voice in local economic strategy, and he has supported funding supports grant programs and scale-up funding designed to help local businesses create jobs and drive growth across the county.

Email: matt.furniss@nhs.net