Surrey Heath Borough Council will aim to preserve the role of the Mayor of Surrey Heath when the existing borough council is replaced by West Surrey Council in April 2027.
At the Full Council meeting yesterday, Members resolved to send a request for the establishment of a Charter Trustee of Surrey Heath to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
When a borough, district or city council is abolished and no Parish or Town Council will inherit those rights, Charter Trustees can be established to preserve historic civic traditions. Most commonly these include the office of Mayor, retention of regalia, civic ceremonies, and honorary freedoms.
Since the council was formed on 1 April 1974, 52 councillors have held the title of Mayor of Surrey Heath, serving as the borough's ‘First Citizen’. Two councillors – Cllr Pat Pearce and Cllr Pat Tedder - held the role twice. The Mayor acts as a ceremonial figurehead to represent the community, rather than holding executive political or administrative powers.
The retention of a Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Surrey Heath supports the council’s strategic priority of promoting healthier and more inclusive communities. The Mayor acts as the public face of Surrey Heath, a politically neutral presence hosting and attending official engagements, visiting community events, fundraising and championing local causes and celebrating local groups.
Because of Local Government Reorganisation, on 1 April 2027 the 11 borough and district councils and the county council in Surrey will be replaced by two new unitary authorities, East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. Surrey Heath will be covered by West Surrey Council.
To avoid the role of Mayor disappearing when Surrey Heath Borough Council is abolished, a request must be made to the government through MHCLG for the relevant Charter Trustee Order to be made.
Trustee members must be councillors in the relevant principal authority, which will be West Surrey Council. Charter trustees are a non-political and non-statutory role, with the primary objective being to maintain and promote the historic and ceremonial traditions for the area.
Any Charter Trustees established may elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor each year, who themselves must be Trustees.
Read more about the Charter Trustees item discussed at the Council meeting of 22 July 2026