The Government has confirmed plans for local government reorganisation in Surrey.
The county’s 11 district and borough councils will be merged into two and Surrey County Council will be abolished.
East Surrey unitary authority will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge councils from April 2027.
A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking.
Surrey County Council will be dissolved, with the new unitary authorities taking over responsibility for key services such as adult social care, children’s services, and highways.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “We welcome the government’s direction to create two new unitary councils for Surrey from April 2027 – East Surrey and West Surrey. Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses. As set out in submissions earlier this year, and confirmed by government, all the evidence points to this being the best outcome for Surrey – saving money, simplifying services and strengthening local communities.
“As expected, there will be elections to the new unitary councils in May 2026. We also welcome the intention that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will be established, with timings to be confirmed soon following discussions with the Minister. This devolution will unlock huge benefits for Surrey, with more powers held closer to communities, stronger local decision making and turbo charged economic growth for the region.
“All councils can now come together to push forward the right structures, and put the right resources in place, to enhance our already vibrant county. We are ready and well prepared for this change and I am absolutely clear that, throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue – services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most. Our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and we will communicate with residents along the way.”
Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group representing eight borough and district councils, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to proceed with two unitary authorities, effectively creating two ‘mega councils’ that risk losing local identity and responsiveness to our community’s values.
“This decision goes against the three unitary model put forward by our councils, which we believe offered a more balanced and representative solution for Surrey.”
“Despite our concerns, we are determined to play an active role in shaping the two new councils that will replace the existing local government structure in Surrey.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a local government structure in Surrey that delivers better outcomes for residents, and we will continue to work together to ensure local voices are heard and reflected in the process.”
The Government’s announcement confirms that an East Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils; and a West Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking councils.
Surrey County Council, along with the 11 district and borough councils, will be abolished, with the two new unitary authorities taking responsibility for services such as adult social care, children’s services, waste and recycling, local planning and highways.
Done in the right way, the two unitary model creates an opportunity to improve services for residents and businesses focused on their local communities.
Whist Local Government Reorganisation will deliver financial savings over the long-term, the Government has recognised that Woking’s debt cannot be resolved solely at the local level. It today announced a first tranche of debt relief that will aid in the reduction of Woking’s debt, subject to progress with its asset rationalisation programme.
Speaking about this financial support, Cllr Dalton added: “We welcome government’s commitment to support Woking Borough Council. This is a positive and necessary step, not just for Woking, but for the wider stability of local government across Surrey.
Councillor Bridget Kendrick, the Leader of Mole Valley District Council said: ‘Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward for local government in Surrey. While councils across the county put forward different proposals, all were rooted in a shared vision for a simpler, effective system that delivers for our residents and businesses.
‘We welcome the Government’s decision to move ahead with the creation of two unitary councils in Surrey. It means that from April 2027 an East Surrey unitary authority will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge councils. A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking. Surrey County Council will be dissolved, with the new unitary authorities taking over responsibility for key services such as adult social care, children’s services, and highways. This decision lays the foundation for a more streamlined local government structure and offers better value for money.
‘Now that we have clarity, we look forward to working with all the other councils across Surrey to focus on the opportunities this change could bring for our residents and for Surrey as a whole, while doing everything we can to ensure the smooth transfer of services, staff and resources to the new organisations. Until that time, Mole Valley District Council will continue to serve its residents and businesses as we have done for over 50 years.
‘As we look ahead to the local elections in May 2026, residents will have a vital role to play in shaping the future of their councils. I encourage everyone to take part and make their voices heard.
In the meantime, please visit our LGR information page, where you’ll find a helpful list of FAQs, key contacts and a timeline of next steps.’
Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Surrey are scheduled for May 2026, with new authorities expected to become operational in April 2027.
