GBC Executive Supports Creation of Three Unitary Authorities For Surrey

Published on: 21 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 21 Mar, 2025

Members of Guildford Borough Council voted in favour of the creation of three unitary authorities for Surrey at an Executive meeting held on Wednesday night (March 19).

Councillors believe this structure would provide high-quality services for residents as well as reducing costs and supporting growth.

The Executive’s decision is in response to the Government’s plans for local government reform. An interim proposal for Local Government Reorganisation was published by all 11 district and borough councils last week. The report looks at having either two or three unitary authorities in Surrey, and is being considered by all Surrey councils this week.

After the meeting, Cllr Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough), Leader of the Council, said: “We believe that three unitary authorities in Surrey is the best outcome for our residents. This structure would provide high-quality services, reduce costs, support growth, and give locally focused democratic representation and governance.

Cllr Julia McShane

“Working with councils across the county, we’ve already looked at detailed information on the needs of our local communities and the opportunities reorganisation could bring. We’ll continue to work together to develop a proposal that will secure a strong future for Guildford and the wider county.”

In a statement the council said the interim proposal is divided into two parts:

Part A sets out the opportunities and challenges in the county, and shows how the 11 district and borough councils and Surrey County Council are working together through the Local Government Reorganisation process.

Part B includes two reports. The first was written by the 11 district and borough councils. Analysing the data available, it explores two options for reorganisation – a two unitary model or a three unitary authority approach. It concludes that moving to three unitary authorities would strike the best balance between efficiency, local accountability and connection. The second report was written by Surrey County Council and sets out their proposal for local government reorganisation in the county, recommending two unitary authorities.

The government has asked for interim plans to be submitted to them by today (March 21^st) and full proposals by Friday, May 9th.

If approved by Government, shadow elections for unitary authorities in Surrey will be held in 2026. The new councils would then be established in 2027.