The Government has confirmed plans for local government reorganisation in Surrey. It has announced that two new unitary councils will replace the existing twelve councils in April 2027. This is claimed to create a simpler and more efficient system for delivering services across the county.
The creation of two unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey, means that from April 2027 an East Surrey unitary authority will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge councils. A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking.
Many local councils expressed support for a 3 unitary councils due to the very differing challenged faced by various areas in Surrey.
The new councils will have responsibility for delivering all services in one area including waste collection, planning, adult social care, children’s services, highways and more.
Government believes this is a once in a generation reform, that will create stronger local councils in charge of all local services, equipped to drive economic growth, improve local public services, and lead and empower their communities – ultimately it will help drive up living standards.
Government has confirmed their commitment to repayment in-principle of £500m of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. This is a first tranche of repayment support, and government will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.
How the remainder of the Debt incurred by Woking and other councils in Surrey is to be handled is a still a major issue. Legally it may not be possible to set up new authorities burdened with unsustainable debt. More information is awaited.
Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026, with the new authorities formally taking over responsibilities from 1 April 2027. This transition period will enable detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place, and services will be delivered as usual throughout the process.
A) Guildford Borough Council is due to report back on the 9th December 2025 on the proposal to conduct a Governance Review to see whether Guildford Town should have a Parish council.
B) Guildford was the County Town of surrey. It would be good to see it become the administrative centre for the new West Surrey Unitary Authority.
Government is also clear that simplifying local government ensures a strong foundation for devolution. The establishment of a strategic authority will be subject to the relevant statutory tests being met and there will be ongoing discussions between local officials and the Minister. The ambition is to have a Mayor for Surrey, and local officials will be working with Government on the timeline for this, following discussions with the Minister for Devolution.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “We welcome the government’s direction to create two new unitary councils for Surrey from April 2027 – East Surrey and West Surrey. Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses. As set out in submissions earlier this year, and confirmed by government, all the evidence points to this being the best outcome for Surrey – saving money, simplifying services and strengthening local communities.
“As expected, there will be elections to the new unitary councils in May 2026. We also welcome the intention that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will be established, with timings to be confirmed soon following discussions with the Minister. This devolution will unlock huge benefits for Surrey, with more powers held closer to communities, stronger local decision making and turbo charged economic growth for the region.
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