New West Surrey Council

From April 2027, the current county council and 11 district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey, delivering all local government services. These will include roads, waste collection, planning, libraries, schools, parks and playgrounds, as well as vital frontline services such as adult social care and children’s social care, including safeguarding, support for vulnerable adults and children, SEND services, fostering and adoption, and care for older people and adults with disabilities.

What this means for Surrey Heath

Surrey Heath will be part of the new West Surrey Council, replacing the current geographic areas of Surrey Heath, Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne and Woking councils. The change aims to simplify local government, reduce duplication and lead to more joined up services. Existing councils will continue to provide these services during a transition period, with shadow arrangements beginning in 2026.

What happens next?

Work is underway to prepare for this transition, and make sure that there is no interruption in the services you receive during this process. Elections for the new unitary councils are due to take place in May 2026, with the new councils officially taking over on 1 April 2027.

Find out more about the election and voting.

To stay informed about the changes to local councils, visit the Surrey LGR Info Hub.

Contact us

For further details about the information in this leaflet, please get in touch by visiting our contact us webpage.