Surrey is one of six authorities told by the Government in December that it needed to reorganise and consolidate.
The 11 district councils voted on initial plans last week, with the full proposal due to be submitted to ministers in May.
Chair of the Resident’s Association for Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Hannah Dalton says the process is too rushed.
Surrey County Council leader, Tim Oliver says;
“I am clear that two unitary councils would bring the most benefits for Surrey’s residents. It would create a simpler model of local government that is more efficient, offers better value for money and improved outcomes for all.
“A key aspect of local government reorganisation is to further develop and strengthen the important work we do at local level. Surrey’s geography is one of multiple towns and villages, and these are the places that people identify with. They are also the key building blocks at which practical outcomes can be delivered for residents at a local level and we will work closely with other key organisations including Health, Community safety, Town and Parish councils and voluntary and community organisations to create neighbourhood forums that actively engage with our communities.
“We are well prepared for change in Surrey and our proposal would set the foundations for better public service alignment and unlock further devolution, meaning we can elect a mayor which will bring more power, flexibility and funding.
“Throughout the development of this proposal we’ve engaged with partners across Surrey to ensure we’re putting the best option forward to government. It’s important to consider how all council services, as well as other bodies like the police, fire service, health services operate, so any new system makes sense for residents.”
– the short time frame in which the proposals are being submitted, from the governments release of the English Devolution Paper in December last year to the full submission in May, are a challenge for the district and county councils to work with.
“Knowing that the Government’s White Paper in December heralded the end of the remaining two-tier councils, we applied to be on this timeline so that we could deliver the benefits of that devolution to Surrey residents as quickly as possible and take control of our own destiny.”
