Local Government Reorganisation proposal submitted to government
On 9 May, nine district and borough councils in Surrey submitted a proposal for the formation of three unitary councils as part of the Local Government Reorganisation for Surrey.
Two district and borough councils; Mole Valley District Council and Elmbridge Borough Council, and Surrey County Council favour two unitary authorities.
The nine district and borough councils who support three unitary authorities are: Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking. This model would see Epsom & Ewell become part of an East Surrey unitary council along with Tandridge District Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
Both proposals are published on council websites and on the Surrey LGR Hub: Final proposals – Surrey LGR Hub
The proposal submitted by district and borough councils supporting three unitary councils is underpinned by the following priorities:
- supporting economic growth
- housing and infrastructure delivery
- unlocking devolution
- valuing and advocating for Surrey’s unique local identities and places
- providing strong democratic accountability, representation and community empowerment
- securing financial efficiency, resilience and the ability to withstand financial shocks
- delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable public services that are responsive to local need and that enable wider public sector reform.
Speaking about the proposal for three unitary councils, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“Today, district and borough councils have submitted a proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey, a proposal rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape Surrey’s future, to improve outcomes and opportunities for our residents, businesses and people across the county who rely on us most. We look forward to the government’s response to our proposal.”