Online Event Will ‘Help Residents Have Their Say On Local Government Reorganisation’

Published on: 29 Jun, 2025
Updated on: 29 Jun, 2025

Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils are inviting residents to join them for an “Online Engagement Session” on Thursday,  July 3, to find out about the most significant change to councils in Surrey for over 50 years.

The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace current councils with up to three bigger councils in the county. At the online session, lead councillors and officers from Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will:

• explain what Local Government Reorganisation is

• outline the options being considered, and

• show residents how to get involved.

There will also be an opportunity for local people to ask questions about what the changes could mean for them, their family and our community.

Cllr Julia McShane

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, said: “This consultation is the only opportunity local people will have to give their views to the Government, and shape how future decisions are made, services delivered, and communities represented in Surrey.

“We want local people to have access to all the information they need to take part in this once-in-a-generation change, and give the Government an informed view. This online session is the first in a series of opportunities our community will have to engage with us, and I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.”

The Government is consulting on two proposals:

• the first is led by Surrey County Council and is for two unitary authorities – East and West Surrey

The two unitary council solution proposed by SCC

• the second is for three unitary authorities – North, East and West Surrey – and is supported by nine of the county’s district and borough councils, including Guildford and Waverley.

The three unitary authority solution preferred by nine of the eleven borough and district councils in Surrey (image RBC)

Cllr Paul Follows

Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, said: “We strongly believe a move to three unitary authorities is the right approach for our residents. This model would keep local government local. Decisions would be made by people who understand our area, and councils would be connected to their communities.

“A three unitary approach would deliver the services our residents need, support our local business community and future growth, and make sure there is strong local leadership and accountability.”

Cllr McShane added: “The views of our residents are important, and we want them to be heard. We’re here to support local people with any questions they may have during the consultation process.”

Registering for the Online Engagement Session

The Online Engagement Session will be hosted by the leaders of Guildford and Waverley Councils on Thursday, July 3, from 7pm to 8pm.

Register now for this event, which will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Residents can also take part in the Government consultation, open until Tuesday, August 5.

There’s a link to the Surrey LGR Hub, which outlines information on Local Government Reorganisation and the two proposals.

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