Surrey to Trial Local Committees Ahead of Council Reform

Surrey is launching a new form of local governance by piloting Neighbourhood Area Committees in three areas this July, ahead of a broader transition to a unitary council system. These committees will include members from county and local councils, police, health services, and the voluntary sector. The aim is to foster stronger community engagement and more efficient decision-making. The reform moves Surrey away from its current two-tier model, though the final structure—either two or three unitary councils—is still undecided. County-wide expansion of the pilot is expected this autumn, with community input playing a central role in the changes.