Letter: The Reorganisation Situation Is Different in Surrey

Published on: 10 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 10 Sep, 2026

From Lottie Harding

In response to: East Surrey Council Leaders Also Want to Stay ‘On Track’ With Reorganisation Programme

My understanding is that the basis of the legal challenges by Hampshire and Essex county councils, to the government’s LGR decisions in those areas, is the way it was proposed to divide up the county areas.

Four or five unitary authorities were envisaged, involving changes to the existing district boundaries of some of the districts, so that some were split between two or three unitary authorities. This was felt to be financially unviable.

It was also claimed the decisions didn’t meet some of the other criteria government had set itself, including keeping to current district boundaries, and lacked proper reasoning. The decisions were bonkers and a huge waste of an opportunity to reduce the overall costs of local government for taxpayers.

There is also talk in some press articles the former minister went against his officials’ advice. Perhaps the government’s own legal advice agreed. My hunch is the outcome of the review will be different decisions and then LGR will continue in those areas to be be implemented in 2029.

The situation in Surrey is different, only two unitary councils are being created. The government made clear in its decision letter it was choosing the option most likely to be financially sustainable which was supported by the modelling in both business cases.

No existing council challenged that decision at the time, presumably as there were no legal grounds to do so, even if they didn’t like the decision.

The primary legislation abolishing the existing councils and creating the new councils has passed, elections have been held and implementation is underway. Those involved are getting on with the job.