Worplesdon InTouch

The government has made its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey.

It has confirmed that Surrey will move to two new unitary councils from April 2027. These will be East Surrey and West Surrey.

We welcome the decision to simplify local government through the creation of two councils. As set out in our submission earlier this year, evidence pointed to this being the best outcome for Surrey. It will save money, simplify services and strengthen local communities.

Simplifying local government also ensures a strong foundation for devolution. We are committed to working with government and partners across Surrey, including new unitary authorities once in place, to establish a strategic authority for the area, which will be subject to the relevant approvals at government and local level.

Elections to the new shadow authorities will take place in May 2026. These newly elected councillors will oversee the transition to the new structure. The new councils will officially take responsibility in April 2027.

In the meantime, all 12 existing councils will continue to operate and deliver your services as usual.

Financial sustainability is one reason the government chose the two unitary option. To help ensure this, they have confirmed repayment in-principle of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to engage with the government consultation over the summer.

We’ll keep you updated as plans progress. In the meantime, you can find out more about what this means for Surrey on our website: https://orlo.uk/P1IHq

Elmbridge BC More to Mole Valley

“Over the last three years, I have listened to what thousands of residents in Surrey tell me they want from their police service. They want our officers doing the job only they can - investigating and solving crime and taking offenders off our streets.

“The Chief Constable shares my commitment to a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing and I believe that is already starting to pay dividends for our communities.”

Lisa Townsend PCC says she is honoured to be re-elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey 👉 surrey-pcc.gov.uk/lisa-townsend-hails-back-to-basics-police-approach-as-she-wins-second-term-as-police-and-crime-commissioner-for-surrey