Leader’s foreword to the Government's announcement on LGR
Cllr Shaun Macdonald, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, has shared a foreword to the statement from the Leaders of Surrey's District and Borough Councils (Surrey Leaders Group) regarding the announcement on local government reorganisation.
Foreword
"The proposed move to two new unitary authorities is a significant change for local government in Surrey, but it is not the solution we had hoped for. We are aware from the responses made to the government's own consultation that there was a clear preference among residents for the three-unitary proposal. However, the government appears to have ignored the wishes of Surrey Heath residents for their councils to reflect local communities and their sense of place and instead prioritised the financial aspects driven by the Treasury.
"It will be a concern for many residents that the current administration at Surrey County Council is being placed in the driving seat for these changes given there is a demonstrable loss of electoral support during their extended term which will now go to six years. While there is potential to redesign services, we remain concerned about how effectively the transitional arrangements will allow the reforming of services to meet the diverse needs of our communities rather than replicate a failing county model today.
"I am reassured by the Government’s announcement to repay £500 million of Woking’s debt in the next financial year and its ongoing commitment to ensure that Woking’s financial challenges do not impact residents within Surrey Heath.
"As Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, I am committed to working with fellow local leaders to influence positive change and ensure that changes support a stronger, more sustainable future for our new West Surrey area, one that delivers high-quality services, protects the vital support residents rely on, and upholds the interests of our communities."
Surrey Council Leaders Respond to Government’s Unitary Authority Decision
Leaders from eight Surrey district and borough councils have responded to the Government’s decision to replace the current 12 councils with two new unitary authorities.
Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group representing eight borough and district councils, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to proceed with two unitary authorities, effectively creating two ‘mega councils’ that risk losing local identity and responsiveness to our community’s values.
“This decision goes against the three unitary model put forward by our councils, which we believe offered a more balanced and representative solution for Surrey.
“Despite our concerns, we are determined to play an active role in shaping the two new councils that will replace the existing local government structure in Surrey.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a local government structure in Surrey that delivers better outcomes for residents, and we will continue to work together to ensure local voices are heard and reflected in the process.”
The Government’s announcement confirms that an East Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils; and a West Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking councils.
Surrey County Council, along with the 11 district and borough councils, will be abolished, with the two new unitary authorities taking responsibility for services such as adult social care, children’s services, waste and recycling, local planning and highways.
Done in the right way, the two unitary model creates an opportunity to improve services for residents and businesses focused on their local communities.
Whilst Local Government Reorganisation will deliver financial savings over the long-term, the Government has recognised that Woking’s debt cannot be resolved solely at the local level. It today announced a first tranche of debt relief that will aid in the reduction of Woking’s debt, subject to progress with its asset rationalisation programme.
Speaking about this financial support, Cllr Dalton added: “We welcome government’s commitment to support Woking Borough Council. This is a positive and necessary step, not just for Woking, but for the wider stability of local government across Surrey."
Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Surrey are scheduled for May 2026, with new authorities expected to become operational in April 2027.
More information can be found on the devolution and local government reorganisation webpages.