One of Britain’s most respected economists Andy Haldane will chair a new Surrey Economic Commission to define a bold vision for the future of one of the UK’s leading economies.
With devolution on the horizon, Surrey County Council is engaging the former Chief Economist of the Bank of England to lead an independent review into how Surrey can make the most of future opportunities to drive growth.
The Commission will bring together nationally recognised experts and thought leaders from across business, education, infrastructure, health and the public sector to help shape Surrey’s next chapter of economic success pairing high-level expert roundtables with public engagement and balancing specialised knowledge with vital citizen voices.
By March, it will have developed a series of action-focused recommendations that build on Surrey’s economic strengths, position the county to compete nationally and internationally, and reshape how growth is planned, enabled and delivered.
Alongside this forward-looking work, Royal Holloway, University of London will undertake an independent Socio-Economic Impact Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of Surrey’s economic and social progress in the last six years and helping identify opportunities to deliver further impact.
Together, they will provide both the evidence and ambition needed to shape Surrey’s next chapter, helping the county build on its considerable strengths, unlock new opportunities and reinforce its position as one of the UK’s economic powerhouses.
New Surrey Economic Commission – reaction
Andy Haldane, Chair of the Surrey Economic Commission, said:
“With 1.2 million residents, an economy that generates more than £50 billion every year, a talented workforce and fantastic connections to the capital and beyond, Surrey is already a cornerstone of the UK economy.
“But there is so much more that can be done, especially as the government looks to transfer powers, responsibility and funding out of Whitehall and into local hands.
“As a long-time resident of Surrey, I have a vested interest in seeing the county succeed – which is why I’m determined to deliver a bold, ambitious and inclusive blueprint which has the collective buy-in of local stakeholders, business leaders and the broader community.”
Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council, said:
“Over recent years we have taken big strides to kickstart growth in Surrey, ensuring our economy delivers real benefits to our people, places and employers.
“It’s been a collective effort, built on successful partnerships across business, education, local government and our communities.
“With devolution on the horizon, what comes next is crucial – and I can think of no one better to shape a bold vision for Surrey’s economic future than Andy, who brings vast experience, expertise and energy to the role.
“I am delighted he will lead on this vital piece of work which has the potential to positively impact every person, place and business across the county.”
Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at Royal Holloway, University of London, said:
“Capitalising on the many opportunities we have here in Surrey relies on clear understanding of what has been achieved in the last six years, which our Impact Report will evidence.
“More than that, our expertise at Royal Holloway will bring a truly future-facing perspective to what this progress can mean for the region going forwards not least for our students, partners and wider communities.”
Mr Haldane is a former chief economist of the Bank of England. He will combine the Surrey Economic Commission role with his existing responsibilities as President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chancellor of the University of Sheffield.
The Economic Commission will build on a previous review undertaken by former Chancellor Philip Hammond in 2020.
This helped establish a shared vision for economic growth and informed the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy. Alongside this is a programme of activity delivered through strong collaboration between local authorities, businesses, education providers and wider partners.
Six years on, Surrey’s economy, institutions and operating environment have changed significantly.
In 2024, responsibility for Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions transferred to Surrey County Council. This ensured economic delivery across a single Surrey footprint for the first time. It also strengthened the role of local government in leading economic strategy, convening partners and driving inclusive growth.
The move has been hugely beneficial, leveraging in more than £31 million of funding annually. It also unlocks the ability for more targeted economic interventions to address specific needs and opportunities.
Further change is coming as Surrey enters a period of significant public sector reform with Local Government Reorganisation and preparing for the new powers, new partnerships and new governance arrangements that may accompany devolution.
