Residents Urged to Have Their Say on the Changing Shape of Surrey’s Local Government

Published on: 17 Jun, 2025
Updated on: 17 Jun, 2025

Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now officially launched its consultation on local government reorganisation in Surrey. The Government’s stated aim is to transfer more powers from government to local or regional authorities.

The seven-week consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations.

But there are only two options for residents to chose between:

• Surrey County Council wants to see the creation of two unitary authorities: East and West Surrey. SCC believes two unitary councils will simplify services, save money and strengthen communities. West Surrey would consist of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking.
• The other option, supported by nine of Surrey’s eleven district and borough councils, including Guildford, is to establish three new unitary councils: East Surrey, West Surrey and North Surrey. West Surrey would consist of Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking – who all support the three unitary model.

Cllr Hannah Dalton

In a statement delivered on behalf of the nine councils, Hannah Dalton, leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said: “Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their communities, and this is supported by over 60 per cent of respondents to the survey that Surrey district and borough councils undertook in April, who had a preference for a three-unitary model.”

Cllr Dalton added: “Both models are financially viable, provided the Government addresses Surrey’s unrecoverable debt, mainly in Woking.

“In correspondence received from the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon, we welcome the Government’s acceptance that, even after rationalisation of Woking’s historic assets, it is likely that the majority of the councils’ remaining debt cannot be managed locally; but wait to see what this means in terms of support after 2026/27.”

Supporters of the three-unitary proposal say it provides a stronger long-term foundation for high-quality local government, including:

• Stronger public services designed around local needs
• Better alignment with local identities and communities
• Greater opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure delivery
• More responsive and accountable local governance.

Cllr Dalton said: “We want as many residents as possible to have their say in this consultation… I would encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council to take part.”

The two unitary option is supported not only by Surrey County Council but also by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.

Supporters says this plan is supported by key local partner organisations, including health, police and fire, business and community leaders.

Tim Oliver – Leader of Surrey County Council

Cllr Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Two unitary councils will simplify services, save money and strengthen communities. This is an important opportunity for people to have their say.

“We welcome the government’s acknowledgment that Woking’s historic debt cannot be managed locally and their commitment to addressing this ahead of the reorganisation. And we also welcome the government’s recent emphasis on local area working and community engagement – something we have put front and centre of our proposal.

“Throughout the reorganisation process we have engaged with partners about the importance of working together at a much more local level to positively impact communities right across Surrey. This is key to making any new unitary council system work effectively – giving residents a voice, building a proper understanding of what communities need, and harnessing the force of all agencies working together to make Surrey’s towns and villages even better places to live and work.”

Cllr Mike Rollings, leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, said: “Creating two unitary councils in Surrey will support the long-term financial sustainability of local government and deliver better value for our residents.”

Cllr Bridget Kendrick, leader of Mole Valley District Council, said: “Alongside Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council, we support a two-unitary authority model – dividing Surrey into East and West – as the most effective structure for serving our residents and businesses.”

The Ministry of Housing says local government reorganisation affects 21 areas in England and seeks to stop “needless duplication”, unlock crucial efficiency savings and improve accountability.

Jim McMahon, MP

The Minister, Jim McMahon MP, said: “We want local government to be as efficient and effective as possible. That’s why we’re building sustainable unitary councils, able to deliver on local priorities and improve outcomes for local people, as part of the Plan for Change.

“Surrey is leading the way towards stronger local government that provides the high-quality public services people deserve. I urge residents to engage with the consultation and make their views on the future of their area heard.”

You can take part in the consultation by visiting: Local government reorganisation in Surrey – GOV.UK

Surrey County Council, Elmbridge and Mole Valley are hosting a resident information event on July 7 to explain their proposal. People can sign up here: Events – local government reorganisation (LGR) – Surrey County Council.

More information about the consultation can be found here: Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – Surrey County Council

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