What is Local Government Reform?
Surrey as a county is undergoing a significant transformation through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution, scheduled to take place in April 2027. This transition will see Surrey County Council, along with our 11 District and Borough Councils, evolve into one or more unitary councils. This change aims to create a more streamlined and efficient governance structure, enhancing the delivery of public services and bringing decision-making closer to our residents.
What This Means for Surrey:
- Unified Governance: The transition to unitary authorities will replace the current two-tier system, combining the responsibilities and powers of the county and district & borough councils into a smaller number of new unitary authorities.
- Enhanced Services: The new structure is designed to improve the quality and sustainability of public services, ensuring they are more responsive to local needs.
- Employee Transition: The majority of roles within Surrey County Council will be transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) to the new unitary authorities, protecting employees' rights and ensuring continuity of employment.
When will the reorganisation take place?
The last day Surrey County Council will operate will be 31 March 2027. April 1 2027 (often called vesting day) will be the first day of the new unitary authorities.
What is the difference between Local Government Reorganisation and devolution?
Local government reorganisation (LGR) involves reorganising the current two-tier system of County County and district & borough councils into one or more new unitary councils, aiming to streamline governance and improve public service delivery. Devolution, on the other hand, is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government, ensuring decisions are made closer to the people, communities, and businesses they affect.
This will be done by setting up a new Strategic Authority, overseen by a Mayor. Strategic Authorities are partnerships that bring together local authorities across a large geography. In order to set up a Strategic Authority and get the benefits from devolution, Surrey needs to reorganise first. Whilst Surrey as a county has had approval from central government to progress both, devolution may start in either 2027 or 2028.
How will this affect my employment with Surrey County Council?
The majority of roles within Surrey County Council will be transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) to the new unitary authorities, ensuring your employment rights are protected.
There will be some senior roles that are offered to new employees on a fixed term contract basis and these roles will later become ringfenced to set individuals and open as competitive opportunities to apply for.
Why is now a good time to join Surrey County Council?
Now is an excellent time to join Surrey County Council because whether you’re at the forefront of LGR or supporting Surrey County Council in our ongoing improvements, you’ll be part of a dynamic change in local government.
As we undergo local government reorganisation and devolution, you may alongside colleagues in other councils, have the unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of public services in Surrey. We need to ensure we support the seamless transition of the County Council into the new unitary authorities and we’ll need an array of skills, attributes and innovate thinking to turn this into a reality.
Let’s not forget though the endless opportunities that already exist as a County Council for the next two years. We still have big ambitions and are dedicated to ensuring we deliver effective services to our residents and communities with these efforts continuing right up till the transition date.
What opportunities could the new unitary councils offer?
Once created and developed further, the new unitary councils will provide opportunities for innovation, growth, and enhanced public service delivery. Employees will be part of a forward-thinking and dynamic local government landscape.
How can I stay informed about the progress of the reorganisation?
We will continue to update this page as we pass key milestones so you can keep informed about progress and what this means.
Will there be any changes to my current role?
While the specifics of each role may evolve prior to the change under Surrey County Council, the transition aims to maintain continuity and protect employees' rights under TUPE regulations.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any job related questions that haven’t yet been answered please contact us at recruit@surreycc.gov.uk and we’ll aim to respond to you within 48 hours.