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The leaders of all 12 Surrey councils have today submitted a joint interim proposal to government for local government reorganisation in the county.
Surrey County Council and the 11 district and borough councils within Surrey have been working together on the options for local government reorganisation, following the directive from government in February.
While many options have been analysed in detail, the submission to government outlines recommendations around either two or three unitary councils for Surrey.
The county council is recommending that two unitary councils for Surrey are created, while the option of three is put forward by most district and borough councils.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “I’m pleased that Surrey’s Leaders have come together to agree the principles of local government reorganisation and submit a joint interim proposal.
“I am clear that two unitary councils would bring the most benefits for Surrey’s residents. It would create a simpler model of local government that is more efficient, offers better value for money and improved outcomes for all.
“A key aspect of local government reorganisation is to further develop and strengthen the important work we do at local level. Surrey’s geography is one of multiple towns and villages, and these are the places that people identify with. They are also the key building blocks at which practical outcomes can be delivered for residents at a local level and we will work closely with other key organisations including health, community safety, town and parish councils and voluntary and community organisations to create neighbourhood forums that actively engage with our communities.
“We are well prepared for change in Surrey and our proposal would set the foundations for better public service alignment and unlock further devolution, meaning we can elect a mayor which will bring more power, flexibility and funding.
“Throughout the development of this proposal we’ve engaged with partners across Surrey to ensure we’re putting the best option forward to government. It’s important to consider how all council services, as well as other bodies like the police, fire service, health services operate, so any new system makes sense for residents.”
Hannah Dalton, Chair of Surrey Leaders Group, said: “I’m pleased that councils across Surrey have been able to work together to submit today’s proposal to Jim McMahon MP, which sets out the direction of travel for local government reorganisation in Surrey.
“This week, all 11 of Surrey’s district and borough councils met to discuss submission of the proposal and in these meetings the vast majority indicated that they favour three unitary councils. The proposal for three unitary councils is aimed at making substantial savings balanced with keeping a strong, efficient, and responsive local connection to Surrey’s differing communities from the urban areas in the north of the county to the rural ones in the south.
“Throughout this process, at the forefront of our minds is how best to serve our communities and preserve local democracy for the future.
“We will continue to work together with Surrey County Council in the coming weeks towards the final submission to government on 9 May 2025.”
The proposal sets out how the county council will work jointly with district and borough councils through local government reorganisation and devolution and highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey.
The interim proposal is in two parts – part A and part B:
- Part A sets out how the county council will work jointly with district and borough councils as we progress through local government reorganisation and devolution. It also highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey, and raises some topics that we would welcome further discussion with government on to ensure a smooth transition for any new arrangements.
- Part B sets out proposals for future reorganisation in Surrey, including advantages and disadvantages of different options, approaches to implementation and engagement and steps needed to finalise proposals by the government’s deadline of 9th May.
In February, government asked Surrey to move forward quickly with plans for local government reorganisation and devolution. Surrey County Council and district and borough councils in Surrey have been discussing options for reorganisation at their council meetings, which have been published in recent days.
Now the interim proposal has been submitted, government will give direction on whether any of the options should be developed further, before a full business case is submitted to government on 9 May. A final decision is expected from government in the autumn.