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Local Government Reorganisation consultation now live

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.

Infographic with a map of Surrey divided into two with icons representing the region