Have your say on the future of public services in Surrey via the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation consultation. This is part of the government’s devolution plans for transferring more powers from Whitehall to local or regional authorities.

Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending that Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey. 

These two councils would work with an elected Mayor who would create a new Strategic Authority covering the whole of Surrey.

This plan would save taxpayers money, strengthen public services and simplify how residents and businesses access support and advice.

It is supported by key local partner organisations, including health, police and fire, business and community leaders.

An alternative proposal for three unitary authorities has also been submitted. 

The Local Government Reorganisation consultation runs until August 5, 2025. Anyone can take part.

It will help government to understand what residents, businesses and other stakeholders think about the changes in Surrey. They’ll use the results to help them make a final decision on which option is best for Surrey.

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process where all areas with two-tiers of councils are reorganised into fewer, unitary councils.

The new authorities would have responsibility for all local government services in their area. This includes refuse collection, highways, parks and open spaces, libraries, social care, education and planning. They would replace the current two-tier system of one county and 11 district / borough councils.

The creation of new unitary authorities would also unlock further devolved responsibilities for Surrey. These would sit with a directly elected mayor representing the whole of Surrey. And the mayor would provide strategic oversight for economic development, skills, transport and housing.

Other areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, already operate successfully this way. It sees the strategic authority working with employers to drive growth. It also improves employment opportunities for residents and brings investment into their regions.

Timeline for Shaping Surrey’s Future

Government asked Surrey leaders to draw up proposals earlier this year as part of its wider devolution agenda. Final plans called Shaping Surrey’s Future were submitted in April.

Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey. 

A resident information event takes place on 7 July to explain LGR and the proposal. Anyone can sign up on the external LGR event page.

Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “We urge everyone in Surrey to take part in this government consultation to help us build a stronger future for Surrey. Two unitary councils will simplify services, save money and strengthen communities. This is an important opportunity for people to have their say.

“This is an exciting time, and I’m confident that residents will feel the benefit of a new system of local government and community engagement in Surrey, with the proposal for two unitary councils supported by multiple partners who share an ambition to make this county stronger and fit for the future.”

Other proposals were put forward to government. This includes a plan for three unitary councils supported by other district and borough councils in Surrey.

A third proposal for Crawley to move into Surrey was not taken forward by government.

Ministers will make a final decision in the early Autumn.

LGR – view from a business leader

Chris Hurren, chair of Surrey Business Leaders’ Forum, wrote an individual letter of support for the two unitary council proposal. He writes:

“While we recognise that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders to discuss directly with [government], on behalf of businesses across Surrey I want to reemphasise the importance of delivering strategic economic functions on a single county footprint.

“Our belief – supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands – is that business growth is dependent upon opportunities to maximise and leverage economies of scale, supporting cross-county collaboration between high-growth clusters and innovation assets.”

He says: “Whichever path is taken through the Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Surrey, future success will require collaborative working with strong and independent unitary authorities operating on functional economic areas with a fair and reasonable split of innovation assets and strategic towns.

“We trust government and our local elected representatives to agree on the best way forward for the businesses, residents and communities of Surrey, ensuring that these authorities are well-placed to provide crucial, efficient and effective public services in the short and long term.”

Take part in the consultation on the government website by August 5, 2025.

A320 improvements are underway between Ottersham and Chertsey, running until 2026. The £41.8 million project overseen by Surrey County Council will increase capacity on this busy stretch north of Woking. This will unlock new housing and support economic growth in the region.

The A320 improvements is a partnership between Surrey County Council, Runnymede Borough Council and Homes England, which is funding the work.

Runnymede needs to deliver 500 homes every year until 2030 to meet demand. And the A320, as the key link road between the M25 and communities including Woking, Ottershaw and Chertsey, is able to cope with increased numbers of vehicles.

So improvements to the road – including new cycling and pedestrian routes – will support development in the area. It will also improve access to St Peter’s Hospital.

A320 and unlocking local growth

The works will ensure there is extra capacity on the busy stretch of road between Chertsey and Ottershaw to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.

It will make sure all the junctions and roads work well together to improve traffic flow. There will also be improvements for walkers and cyclists, including new crossing points and wider foot and cycle paths, and improved access to public transport.

The Runnymede 2030 Local Plan is a blueprint to guide development in the area. It was approved in 2020.

The plan commits to delivering 7,507 high quality additional homes in Runnymede in the period 2015-2030, an average of 500 homes a year.

There is also a commitment to ensuring a mix of employment, retail, leisure, community uses and activities and infrastructure. Plus, protection for the environment and improving accessibility to a range of sustainable and active travel choices.

Of the sites allocated for housing, a large number are reliant on the A320 improvements.

This includes a new Longcross Garden Village, a sustainable settlement of at least 1,700 residential units. And a further 400 homes on St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.

What will the A320 improvements deliver?

There will be roadworks on the A320 between Chertsey and Ottershaw from early 2025 until 2026.

Works include:

• Improvements to traffic lane facilities and full signalisation of St Peters Roundabout
• Provision of an additional, third traffic lane eastbound on St Peters Way East
• Provision of a new and improved Ottershaw roundabout with greater circulatory capacity with widened approaches and exits providing additional traffic lanes
• Improvements to the M25 junction 11 interchange, including full circulatory signalisation and widened northbound and southbound exit slip roads with new dedicated left turn lanes
• Provision of a new roundabout at the Holloway Hill/ Green Lane junction, with flood reduction initiatives, including the construction of attenuation ponds and shallow swales
• Provision of shared use footway/cycleways where possible
• Improvements to Guildford Road, near Salesian School, include installation of a dedicated drop-off layby / bus bays on the east side of Guildford Road along the front of the school
• Improved lighting for all road users and provision of safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the whole scheme

Review the proposals in detail on the Surrey County Council Commonplace website.

Construction works – phase one

Contractors started phase one of the A320 improvements in April 2025.

The initial ten week phase will see lane closures on St Peter’s Way between the St Peter’s Way roundabout and the M25 junction 11 roundabout. A westbound lane closure is also in place on St Peter’s Way.

Works will include:

• an extra lane constructed from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards the M25 on the A320 eastbound
• widening of the approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from the M25 on the A320 westbound
• widening of the northbound approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from Guildford Road
• widening of the footpath from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards St Peter’s Hospital
• resurfacing of the entire St Peter’s Way roundabout

The A320 Guildford Road will be closing in both directions, between the Ottershaw and St Peter’s Way roundabouts from 5am on Saturday 14 June to 5am Monday 16 June. The closures are needed to divert the underground services that lie beneath Guildford Road.

The next phase of works in the autumn will see works commence at the Green Lane / Holloway Hill junction.

Detailed information will be shared on the contractors construction website as work progresses.

As part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution process, Surrey County Council has now published its final plan for Shaping Surrey’s Future.

The county council’s plan advocates the creation of two unitary authorities in Surrey – East Surrey and West Surrey – as the most cost-effective, efficient and simple way of providing key local services. 

The new authorities would have responsibility for all local government services in their area, including refuse collection, highways, parks and open spaces, libraries, social care, education and planning. They would replace the current two-tier system of one county and 11 district / borough councils.

The creation of new unitary authorities would also unlock further devolved responsibilities for Surrey. These would sit with a directly elected mayor representing the whole of Surrey, providing strategic oversight for economic development, skills, transport and housing.

Other areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, already operate successfully this way. It sees the strategic authority working directly with employers to drive growth, improve employment opportunities for residents and bring investment into their regions.

Timeline for Shaping Surrey’s Future

If approved by its cabinet next week, Surrey County Council will submit its Shaping Surrey’s Future proposal to government before 9 May. The full proposal is on the Council website.

District and borough councils will be putting alternative proposals forward by the same deadline.

Ministers will make a final decision in the early Autumn.

LGR – view from a business leader

Chris Hurren, chair of Surrey Business Leaders’ Forum, wrote an individual letter of support for the proposal, saying:

“While we recognise that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders to discuss directly with [government], on behalf of businesses across Surrey I want to reemphasise the importance of delivering strategic economic functions on a single county footprint.

“Our belief – supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands – is that business growth is dependent upon opportunities to maximise and leverage economies of scale, supporting cross-county collaboration between high-growth clusters and innovation assets.”

He added: “Whichever path is taken through the Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Surrey, future success will require collaborative working with strong and independent unitary authorities operating on functional economic areas with a fair and reasonable split of innovation assets and strategic towns.

“We trust government and our local elected representatives to agree on the best way forward for the businesses, residents and communities of Surrey, ensuring that these authorities are well-placed to provide crucial, efficient and effective public services in the short and long term.”

Gatwick expansion plans are due to be decided by government ministers later this year. Airport bosses are announcing they are prepared to make several changes to proposals relating to noise and public transport.

London Gatwick says bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.

The £2.2 billion project is privately financed and could serve up to 80 million passengers a year. And those at the airport claim it will drive growth. They claim it will inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs.

The plans include moving the runway (currently used as a standby) 12 metres. This would allow the UK’s second busiest airport to have a second fully functioning runway.

Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced in February she was “minded to grant” the proposal, providing key considerations were met.

Interested parties are currently able to provide feedback on additional conditions recommended by the Planning Inspectorate.

A final decision is due by October 2025. Gatwick say work could start this year and be complete by 2030.

Gatwick’s response

London Gatwick responded to the Secretary of State’s minded to approve letter last week. It incorporated feedback on key conditions related to noise and public transport

In its response Gatwick stated it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.   

Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation.

The response reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support delivery. This would include, for example, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service. 

If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has also proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion.  

If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350m of road improvements have been completed.  This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.   

London Gatwick response also included measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions. 

Read the full response on the Gatwick Airport website.

A list of comments from all interested parties can be found on the Planning Inspectorate website.

US tariffs of 10% have recently been imposed on most UK goods imported into the United States. To support businesses in Surrey and the rest of the country, government is introducing some support measures.

Businesses in Surrey have a long track-record of trading with the world. And with the United States being our largest and closest trading partner, it could have an impact on how you do your business.

UK government has a range of US tariffs support on offer, including:

• Export Academy webinar on 28 April
  • Open to relevant businesses covering themes such as how rules of origin affect tariffs.
• Increased government-backed finance
  • Additional funding has been made available via UK Export Finance and the British Business Bank.
• Enhanced UK Global Tariff tool
  • Allows businesses to look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates.
•  US Market Guide
  • General information on exporting from the UK to the US.
• Reduced pricing on everyday items and summer essentials
  • Government has suspended tariffs on a range of imported goods into the UK.

US tariffs currently in operation

The additional 10% tariff is on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on imports from the UK. It’s been live since 5 April.

These additional tariffs do not apply to US imports of:

• steel, aluminium articles and automobiles, which are subject to separate additional 25% tariffs. Tariffs of 25% on automobile parts are due to be implemented no later than 3 May.
• copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber
• energy, energy products and other minerals not available in the US

The tariffs situation is fast moving. So, it’s worth discussing the latest situation direct with the UK export support service before making any key business decisions.

UK trade with the US

The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country.

A recent House of Commons Library research paper states that in 2024, UK exports to the US were worth more than £59 billion. This totals 16% of all UK goods exports. The next largest market is Germany which accounted for £32 billion of goods exports (9% of the total).

The top five UK goods exports to the US over the year to September 2024 were:

• cars (£8.3 billion)
• medicinal and pharmaceutical products (£7.2 billion)
• mechanical power generators, intermediate (£5.2 billion)
• scientific instruments, capital (£2.4 billion)
• aircraft (£2.2 billion).

While UK exports of goods to the US are large, exports of services are much larger. In 2023, UK exports of services to the US were £119 billion, almost twice as large as goods exports.

The top five services exports to the US in 2023 were:

• other business services, including legal services, accounting and architecture (£51.8 billion)
• financial services (£25.8 billion)
• insurance and pensions (£10.5 billion)
• telecoms, computer and information services (£9.6 billion)
• travel (£7.3 billion)

While tariffs are not imposed on services, some services exports may be linked to exports of goods.

Extra US tariffs support

Even with the extra charges, there’s lots of opportunity for Surrey businesses to trade globally.

With the right preparation, resources and support, your business can thrive on the world stage.

At Business Surrey, we’re here to guide you at every stage of your export journey. This includes extra US tariffs support.

Visit our Export and International Trade page for a list of helpful resources and organisations which can help you on your way.

Or if you would like more bespoke support, get in touch with out team of experts via our business support form.