The UK Government has initiated a consultation on proposals to reorganise local government in Surrey, aiming to streamline the current two-tier system into unitary authorities that would handle all local services within their respective areas.
What Are the Proposals?
Two primary proposals are under consideration:
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Two Unitary Authorities: Proposed by Elmbridge Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council, and Surrey County Council, this plan suggests creating:
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East Surrey: comprising Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge.
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West Surrey: including Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking.
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Three Unitary Authorities: Proposed by several borough and district councils, this plan envisions:
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East Surrey: Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge.
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North Surrey: Elmbridge, Runnymede, and Spelthorne.
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West Surrey: Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking.
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Both proposals aim to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and improve service delivery by consolidating responsibilities currently divided between county and district councils.
How to Participate
The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations in Surrey. This is a crucial opportunity to influence the future structure of local governance in the county.
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Deadline: Submissions must be made by 5 pm on 5 August 2025.
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How to Respond: You can respond by completing the online survey, via email or in writing. If you are responding in writing, please make it clear which proposal you are responding to. You can email your response to the questions in this consultation to lgreorganisation@communities.gov.uk
Alternatively, written responses should be sent to:
LGR Consultation
Fry Building 2NE
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Visit the official consultation page to review the proposals and submit your feedback. www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-surrey/proposals-for-local-government-reorganisation-in-surrey
Your input will help shape decisions that affect local services, representation, and community identity. For more information and to access the consultation documents, please visit the GOV.UK consultation page.