Proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Surrey have been received from various councils, presenting different models for unitary authority structures. These proposals aim to streamline governance and improve service delivery across the region.
Two Unitary Councils Proposal: Submitted by Elmbridge Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council, and Surrey County Council. This proposal has two Unitary Authorities comsisting of:
Three Unitary Councils Proposal: Submitted by the Borough Councils of Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking, and Tandridge District Council. This proposal has three Unitary Authorities consisting of:
The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution has determined that a consultation will proceed on the two main proposals. This decision aligns with the requirements of the 2007 Act, which mandates consultation with affected councils and other relevant parties.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will also seek further clarification from Surrey Councils regarding financial assessments related to these proposals.
Key Points for Consultation
Additionally, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, in collaboration with Crawley Borough Council, submitted a supplementary request for a cross-boundary option to be considered. The submission was reviewed but will not be consulted upon due to statutory and guideline requirements. The Minister has clarified that while their input is not being formally considered, stakeholders are welcome to reference their submission during the consultation.
This consultation invites feedback from all interested parties, including residents, to ensure informed decision-making. The proposals that meet the required criteria will lead to new authorities being elected in May 2026 and operational by May 2027.
The consultation is available at surrey-local-government-reorganisation and will be open for seven weeks until Tuesday 5 August.
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