Consultation on Surrey reorganisation kicks off

The consultation, the first for the 21 local authority areas that have been identified for local government reorganisation, seeks views on two different proposals.

Elmbridge Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council and Surrey County Council recommended the first proposal, which would divide the county into two councils: East Surrey and West Surrey.

The second proposal, advanced by Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking borough councils and Tandridge District Council, suggests three unitary authorities: East Surrey, North Surrey and West Surrey.

Announcing the consultation in a ministerial statement, English Devolution Minister Jim McMahon revealed that he had rejected a cross-boundary proposal brought by Reigate and Banstead Council in Surrey and Crawley Council in West Sussex.

The two councils suggested a unitary covering the 'Gatwick Diamond economic area'.

However, McMahon said the proposal failed to meet the statutory requirements for reorganisation proposals in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

He added: "With reference to their desire for Gatwick Diamond economic area to be within the area of one Strategic Authority so as to best provide for economic growth, I would like to provide reassurance that Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey does not mean that this is not an option to be considered in the future, and I encourage councils in Surrey to continue to engage with their neighbours as they consider options in the short and medium term to secure devolution and the advantages it brings."

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council said the two unitary model would "simplify services, save money and strengthen communities".

He also welcomed the Government's acknowledgement that Woking's historic debt cannot be managed locally and their commitment to addressing this ahead of the reorganisation.

The leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Cllr Richard Biggs, voiced disappointment over the decision to refuse the cross-boundary proposal.

He said: "I am pleased that we took the opportunity to highlight to Government the important contribution that our combined area makes to the national economy, as well as its economic growth potential.

"While we accept the Government's decision, we will continue to advocate for joined up economic and infrastructure planning and investment across both authorities."

Cllr Biggs went on to support the prospect of a three-unitary proposal, claiming it would "achieve the best balance of delivering value for money for our residents whilst maintaining strong local connections and identities and delivering high-quality service".

The consultation will close on 5 August 2025.

Adam Carey