Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey – Key Points

The government has now confirmed that Surrey will move to two new unitary councils — East Surrey and West Surrey — from April 2027. This is hardly a big surprise, and not the three unitary authorities that Tandridge and most of the districts (all except for Elmbridge and Mole Valley) were hoping for, and which we believe would have better represented our interests, geography and local cultural and business links, but the deal is done, so we can at least now move forward with the reorganisation process.

Following are some key points and timeline from Surrey’s announcement.

• Purpose of the Change:
  • Simplifies local government structures.
  • Saves money and improves efficiency.
  • Strengthens local communities.
  • Lays the foundation for future devolution in Surrey.
• Next Steps and Timeline:
  • May 2026: Elections will be held for the new shadow authorities.
  • April 2027: The new councils will officially take over responsibility.
  • Until then, the 12 existing councils will continue to operate and deliver services as normal.
• Financial Considerations:
  • The two-unitary model was chosen for its financial sustainability.
  • The government has confirmed in-principle repayment of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026–27.
• Devolution Plans:
  • Work will continue with the government and local partners to establish a strategic authority for Surrey (subject to relevant approvals).
• More Information:
  • Updates will be shared as plans progress.
  • Further details are available on the Surrey County Council website.
  • More information here: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr

Tandridge DC’s Response:

The government has made its decision on local government reorganisation. Surrey’s current two tier system will be replaced by two new unitary councils, East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. As well as Tandridge, the new East Surrey Council will comprise Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley and Reigate & Banstead councils. Each unitary will be responsible for all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care. 

It means all eleven district and borough councils, including Tandridge District Council, together with Surrey County Council will be abolished.

The Council will work collaboratively with neighbouring councils and the government to ensure a smooth transition to the new unitary councils.

Council services will continue as usual throughout this process. Bin collections, housing support, planning services and all other council run services will keep running with staff available to support residents and businesses. 

Residents can stay informed by visiting the council website at www.tandridge.gov.uk, on its social media channels and by signing up for newsletters at www.tandridge.gov.uk/signup.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Catherine Sayer, said: “I am pleased the government has made its decision and we can now move forward together with reorganisation. Hopefully, it will be simpler for residents because they will only have one council to deal with that is responsible for all services. There will of course be fewer councillors, who will have a heavier workload and it is a concern that local government will get less local. 

Another concern for me is the £2bn debt incurred by Woking council in west Surrey. It was good to hear the government will make a repayment of £500 million of this debt and there is no expectation at the moment that the rest will be funded by efficiencies or asset sales in authorities outside of Woking. Tandridge District Council is financially stable and it would be most unfair if residents in Tandridge were to be penalised because of someone else’s debt.”

More updates will be published as LGR progresses.