Start of Devolution for Surrey?

The Exeecutive of the West Surrey Shadow Authority will meet on the 9th June to consider the next step in securing more powers and funding for Surrey through a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA).

One of the key items on the agenda is to authorise the Leader of the Shadow Authority to begin designing a proposal and consultation process for Surrey to become a FSA.  This is in response to the government confirming its intention to support Surrey becoming a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) by April 2027. 

To enable this formation of a FSA to proceeed a local consultation must be launched in July 2026 to inform the submission of a proposal to government in September 2026, to enable the statutory process of forming the FSA to commence.This would help create a clear basis for further devolution in line with the government’s agenda through the development of a Surrey-wide strategic authority. Local consultation is expected to begin in July 2026, with a proposal submitted to government in September 2026, ahead of the statutory process to establish the FSA. The government has set out the role and powers of Foundation Strategic Authorities in its devolution framework and associated legislation.

What is a Foundation Strategic Authority?

A Foundation Strategic Authority is a new type of strategic body created  in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. It is designed for areas that do not yet have an elected mayor but want to take on more responsibility for major issues such as transport, skills, housing and economic growth.  FSA's are designed to transition into Mayoral Strategic Authorities once a mayor is elected. They are intended to help places build the partnerships, leadership capacity and governance needed for deeper devolution over time.

For Surrey, this could mean decisions on some strategic priorities being made closer to local communities, with access to devolved funding and a stronger voice in shaping the county’s future. It would also support work across East Surrey and West Surrey on issues that are best planned at a wider geographic level. They are intended to strengthen collaboration between councils, support long-term planning and create the foundations for additional powers and funding in the future.

What powers could an FSA have?

Under the government’s devolution framework, Foundation Strategic Authorities can take on responsibilities in a number of areas, including transport and infrastructure, adult skills, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate, health and wellbeing, public service reform and public safety. They may also receive devolved funding in areas such as local transport and skills.

What happens next?

If the West Surrey Shadow Authority agrees to move forward on the 9th June, work will begin on developing the proposal and consultation process. Residents, partners and stakeholders would then have the opportunity to help shape Surrey’s approach before a formal proposal is submitted to government later this year.

Any new arrangements would sit alongside the wider changes already underway through local government reorganisation, which will see East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council take over local services from April 2027.