Surrey Council Tax Consultations

Published on: 8 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 10 Oct, 2026

By James Moules and Martin Giles

West and East Surrey shadow councils are seeking residents’ views on its proposed council tax support scheme ahead of the new authority taking control of local government services next April.

The new councils are consulting on proposals for a new Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), which helps people on low incomes who are struggling with their council tax bills.

At present, Surrey’s 11 district councils are responsible for the collection of council tax – but these authorities will be abolished next spring when the new West and East Surrey councils assume the reins.

These two new unitary councils will be in charge of all local government services in their respective areas – unlike the current model where the responsibilities are split between Surrey County Council and the district councils.

West Surrey will replace six different district councils – Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking – each of which has its own council tax policy – a new CTRS is being drawn up that will cover the entire area.

This consultation only covers council tax reduction for people of working age, as support for people who have reached state pension age is determined by national rules.

The West Surrey consultation says: “The consultation is an opportunity to understand how different approaches could affect residents and to hear directly from people who may be affected.

“We particularly want to hear from people who:

• currently receive Council Tax Reduction
• are on a low income
• may have difficulty paying their Council Tax
• represent or support people who could be affected.

“We recognise that changes to Council Tax Reduction can have a significant impact on household finances. We will therefore consider the responses carefully, including the potential impact on people on low incomes and people with protected characteristics.”

The consultation does not mean that any particular option has been agreed.

Cllr Leslie Rice

West Surrey Shadow Cllr Leslie Rice, portfolio holder for Finance, said: “As we move towards the new West Surrey Council, we need to bring together the different Council Tax Reduction schemes currently operated by the district and borough councils to support residents.

“We want to hear from people who currently receive Council Tax Reduction, and those who support them, so that their experiences and views can be considered before the final scheme is agreed.

“The aim is to ensure the new scheme is fair, sustainable and meets the needs of residents across West Surrey.”

Both East and West Surrey CTRS consultations will run between October 7 and December 3 – and anyone who wishes to take part can do so via the Future Surrey website. More information about Local Government Reorganisation and the new East and West Surrey Councils is available by visiting the Future Surrey website: https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/

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