Surrey Heath Borough Council Leader, Cllr Shaun Macdonald shares a foreword to the joint statement issued by Surrey District and Borough Councils about the LGR proposals.
"Following last week’s review, the final report on the restructure of local government will be based on the proposed geography for a three-unitary model, subject to government providing solution to the stranded debt.
"This reflects the outcome of the recent meeting of council leaders, and will be submitted to central government in due course.
“The majority believe the three-unitary option offers the right balance between local decision-making and operational efficiency, and presents the best opportunity to deliver high-quality services, enhance accountability, and ensure long-term sustainability.
“We remain firmly committed to putting our communities at the heart of this proposal.
“If you haven’t already, please help shape Surrey's future, and visit the Surrey LGR info hub to complete the short survey before the deadline of Sunday 20 April.”
Joint statement issued by Surrey District and Borough Councils
District and Borough Leaders Agree on Preferred Unitary Map for Surrey
Leaders from Surrey’s district and borough councils met last week to review the interim findings from the ongoing work into local government reform in the county.
As part of that meeting, leaders considered a proposal outlining a three-unitary authority model for Surrey.
A majority of district and borough councils expressed support for a three-unitary model, agreeing a preferred geography to enable further detailed analysis of the option to be carried out.
Surrey County Council continues to explore a two-unitary approach.
Both the two and three-unitary options will be included in the final report, which will be submitted to government in due course.
Council leaders have agreed that the proposed three-unitary geography can now be shared publicly.
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Residents Association (Majority Group) and co-chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said: “It is important to stress that although this reflects a significant step forward in the process of shaping future governance in Surrey, no final decisions have been made, particularly in relation to the financial implications of any potential reorganisation.
“Conversations regarding the treatment of existing debt across the county are ongoing with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government , and nothing will be confirmed until these discussions are resolved.”
The final report, which will be submitted to government in due course, will use the proposed geography for a three unitary option as its basis, in line with the outcome of the recent leaders’ meeting.
District and borough councils across Surrey are committed to working together to shape proposals that put communities first - and want to hear from you.
To explore the interim proposals submitted to government, a proposed timeline for reorganisation, FAQs, and to help shape Surrey's future, please visit the Surrey LGR info hub and complete the short survey, open until Sunday 20 April.