Local Government Reorganisation plans for Surrey
On 16 December 2024, central government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution – the de-centralisation of government power to local or regional authorities.
The White Paper proposed the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas that don't currently have one – like Surrey.
This approach means that additional power is given to the local communities who know their areas best, giving them more control over decision making and implementation of services.
The government also outlined plans to create more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local government.
Interim proposal approved
On Tuesday 18 March, Surrey County Councillors and Cabinet approved our interim proposal for Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. The related documents are now available on our interim proposals webpage, which also provides a link to the district and boroughs' proposals.
Devolution explained
How this impacts Surrey
At present, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council. As a result, different services are currently delivered by the district and boroughs councils, and the county council.
The government expects all two-tier areas to reorganise in the coming years, and has confirmed that Surrey will be on an accelerated programme to do so.
If Surrey were to move to a unitary model, the county and district and borough councils would all dissolve and a new unitary council or councils would deliver all the services.
We could also see a new Strategic Authority created, led by a new Mayor. This could cover the whole of Surrey, or Surrey could join together with neighbouring councils with a Mayor sitting across a larger geography.
Impact on County Council elections
The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution has also confirmed that the government has decided to postpone Surrey's County Council elections in May until 2026, which will enable the detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place.
The resource and time that would have been spent on elections for a soon-to-be-abolished council can now be directed to working on the best possible outcome for Surrey's reorganisation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A video has been created to answer your commonly asked questions. For additional information, please visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about Local Government Reorganisation and devolution.
Your local area
The government's approach is about giving additional power to the local communities who know their areas best.
In Surrey, there are a number of ways to get involved and 'Make It Happen' in your local area. Visit our Make It Happen local area pages, where you can find the latest ways to join in and join up in your towns and villages.
Next steps
As Surrey has been selected for the 'first wave' of reorganisation and devolution, and May's County Council elections have been delayed, it is likely that elections for any new unitary councils would take place in 2026, with a Mayoral election in 2027.
There are potentially a number of ways to go about local government reorganisation and government is asking all interested parties, including all councils in Surrey, to develop an interim business case for reorganisation. These initial business cases will need to be submitted in March, and a full business case in May. We will therefore examine all options properly over the coming months, in collaboration with partners across the county, to deliver the very best outcome for our residents and businesses.
Throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue - services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most.
We will keep you updated on progress for any devolution and local government reorganisation plans.
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