Two new unitary councils will be created in Surrey in April 2027 after ministers confirmed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans. The move will create a simpler and more efficient system for delivering services across the county.ย
Local government minister Alison McGovern announced the decision today via a written ministerial statement. She says this once-in-a-generation reform will see stronger local councils in charge of all local services.
The two new unitary councils – East and West Surrey – will deliver all local services in their area. This includes waste collection, planning, adult social care, childrenโs services, business rates, parks and highways.
Ministers say the move will drive economic growth, improve local public services and empower communities. Ultimately this will help drive up living standards.
The two new unitary councils will replace the existing two-tier system of twelve county, district and borough councils in April 2027.
By doing this, government says it will create “a strong foundation for devolution in Surrey”. A strategic authority would have responsibility for high-level issues like transport, economic development and skills.
What happens next?
Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026. With new authorities formally taking over responsibilities from 1 April 2027.
This transition period will enable detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place. Services will be delivered as usual during this time.
East Surrey will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils.
A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking.
Surrey County Council will work together with all councils in Surrey to implement this new model. And ensure a smooth transition.
Government will also commit to repayment in-principle of ยฃ500 million of Woking Borough Councilโs debt in 2026-27. And they will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.
Surrey leader response to two new unitary councils
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said:
โWe welcome the governmentโs direction to create two new unitary councils for Surrey from April 2027 โ East Surrey and West Surrey. Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses. As set out in submissions earlier this year, and confirmed by government, all the evidence points to this being the best outcome for Surrey โ saving money, simplifying services and strengthening local communities.
โAs expected, there will be elections to the new unitary councils in May 2026. We also welcome the intention that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will be established, with timings to be confirmed soon following discussions with the Minister. This devolution will unlock huge benefits for Surrey, with more powers held closer to communities, stronger local decision making and turbo charged economic growth for the region.
โAll councils can now come together to push forward the right structures, and put the right resources in place, to enhance our already vibrant county. We are ready and well prepared for this change. And I am absolutely clear that, throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue. Services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most. Our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and we will communicate with residents along the way.โ
Surrey business response to two new unitary councils
Chris Hurren, chairman of the Surrey Business Leaders Forum, said:
“We welcome the certainty provided by the government decision today around how local public services in Surrey will be delivered in the future. We‘re confident our local leaders, working together and with partners, will deliver the best outcome for the county’s 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.
“We have long maintained that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders. But, on behalf of businesses across Surrey, I want to re-emphasise the importance of a strategic authority for Surrey delivering devolved economic functions on a single county footprint.
“Our belief โ supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands โ is that moving these powers away from Whitehall will provide clear opportunities for our people, places and economy to grow.”
Further details
To stay informed and follow the latest updates, visit Surrey County Council’s Local Government Reorganisation hub.
Have a question about how this will impact your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.
