A Strategic Authority for the Whole County is Being Planned

Published on: 12 Nov, 2026
Updated on: 12 Nov, 2026

A strategic authority would oversee the two unitary authorities, East and West Surrey, and may in future be headed by a mayor.

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Moves are in place to join East and West Surrey Councils under a “foundation strategic authority” so they can collaborate better on key county wide functions.

East and West Surrey Councils will take over all services in the county from next April when they replace the 11 boroughs and districts, as well as the county council, on what is being called “vesting day”.

It is part of the Government’s vision to devolve power away from Westminster.

Now the two councils are working with the government to create an overarching strategic foundation to allow better co-operation in areas that cross the two borders – for example adult and children services.

The move could pave the way for a directly elected mayor, although at the moment that is off the table – and councillors have said any visions of a London or Manchester type figure is wide of the mark.

Others have described the tie up as a “skimmed-milk” version.

The leaders of the two councils are expected to write to the Government asking them to introduce legislation required to tie the councils together.

The powers and responsibilities to be shared will include transport, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development, and environment and climate-related priorities.

It comes on the back of consultation that found respondents were in favour of the arrangement, with 84 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing.

It is hoped the tie up will coordinate Surrey-wide services and avoid splitting key functions currently operated by Surrey County Council.

Cllr Shaun Macdonald

Deputy leader of the council Shaun Macdonald (Lib Dem, Lightwater, West End & Bisley) said: “It’s going to be an interesting journey for us.

“I think we’ve agreed that we want to start the semi-skimmed milk level rather than the full-fat milk level, and let’s see how that emerges.”

Cllr Dale Roberts

Cllr Dale Roberts (Lib Dem, St John’s), portfolio holder for Transformation, said some of the devolution process had felt imposed on Surrey rather than an equal journey but added that devolution should move power closer to residents,  not just further from Westminster.

Cllr Paul Follows

The Leader of the council, Cllr Paul Follows (Lib Dem, Godalming South, Milford & Witley), added that devolution was something almost everyone in local government liked but it so far seemed to be a single model being dictated, with no wiggle room.

He added: ““At the end of the day an FSA or MSA in Surrey is not going to be the same as Manchester or Liverpool or anywhere with a mayor and a one size fits all model is never going to be appropriate.”

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