Surrey submits a final plan to reorganize local government into two unitary councils. Consultation open until August 5, 2025.
Surrey Pushes for Major Restructuring of Local Governance
Surrey County Council, in collaboration with Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, has submitted a bold final plan for local government reorganisation and devolution to the central government. This plan outlines a significant overhaul of Surrey’s governance structure, aiming to replace the current 12 boroughs and districts with two unitary authorities.
The Proposal: Two Councils, East and West
Under the proposed model, Surrey would be split into two unitary councils—East and West. The West council would include Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking. The East council would encompass Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge.
This division, the councils argue, aligns more effectively with the region’s demographics, housing development, public services, and infrastructure needs. A detailed analysis in the submission compares each area’s population, public highway mileage, homelessness data, and economic activity to support the proposal.
Consultation Open Until August 5
The UK Government has launched a public consultation, open through Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to gather feedback from Surrey residents, businesses, and stakeholders. The consultation aims to evaluate community sentiment and assess the practical implications of the proposed changes.
Surrey officials encourage all residents to participate, emphasizing that community voices will play a key role in shaping the government’s final decision.
Community-Driven Governance
One of the key innovations in the plan is the introduction of “Community Boards,” designed to enhance local representation and transparency. These boards would be co-developed with residents and local partners, offering a platform for grassroots involvement in policymaking and resource allocation.
“Community engagement is at the heart of this proposal,” said a spokesperson for Surrey County Council. “We are committed to ensuring that residents are not just heard, but empowered.”
Broad Institutional Support
The final plan has received formal backing from several major stakeholders across Surrey. Supporters include the Community Foundation for Surrey, Luminus, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, the Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF), Surrey Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The proposal also outlines financial planning to address differing levels of inherited debt between the two proposed authorities, ensuring equitable and stable transition post-reorganisation.
What Happens Next
Following the consultation period, the central government will review public responses alongside technical evaluations. A decision on whether to move forward with the reorganisation—and the preferred structure—will likely be announced later this year.
Until then, residents are urged to review the full plan and contribute to the ongoing consultation. The future of Surrey’s local government may be shaped directly by the feedback received in the coming weeks.
Access the plan and take part in the consultation at: www.surreycc.gov.uk
Published by Surrey Speak – Your Source for Local Policy, Leadership & Civic News
