The Government has now formally laid the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order, which sets out the reorganisation of local government across Surrey. This will see the abolition of Surrey County Council and all 11 district and borough councils, including Tandridge District Council, and their replacement with two new unitary authorities: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

Elections for the new councils will take place on 7 May 2026. Councillors elected at that point will initially serve as a “shadow authority”, preparing for the transition before the new councils take full responsibility on 1 April 2027. Please ensure you are registered to vote ahead of the May elections.

What does this mean for parish councils?

Importantly, parish councils will continue to exist following the reorganisation. Day-to-day parish council responsibilities and services will continue throughout the transition.

Parish councils are already the most local tier of government, dealing with community-specific matters and representing the interests of residents. With district councils being removed, parish councils are expected to play an even more important role in representing local views and ensuring community priorities are heard by the new, larger authorities.

It is also possible that parish councils may gradually take on additional responsibilities that were previously managed at district level. While the exact details are still emerging, this could include greater involvement in areas such as local services, community facilities and neighbourhood initiatives.

The current term of Limpsfield Parish Council runs until May 2027, when the next parish elections will take place.

Planning and the importance of local policy

One area where parish councils are expected to become increasingly important is planning and development. With decision-making moving to a larger and more geographically distant unitary authority, it will be vital that local planning policy is clear, robust and well established.

Limpsfield is fortunate to have two key planning documents already in place:

• The Limpsfield Neighbourhood Plan
• The Limpsfield Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans

Both of these have been formally adopted by Tandridge District Council and therefore carry significant weight in the planning system.

These documents provide clear local guidance on issues such as development design, heritage protection, landscape character and the preservation of our Green Belt setting. As planning decisions begin to be made further away under the new unitary authority structure, having these locally agreed policies in place will be particularly valuable in ensuring that Limpsfield’s character and environment are properly considered.

The Parish Council will continue to respond carefully to planning applications and work to ensure that development proposals align with these established policies and with the wishes of the local community.

Community assets and local facilities

Alongside the wider government changes, Tandridge District Council began a programme of Community Asset Transfers (CAT) in 2024. This initiative offers certain community assets to local organisations or parish councils to ensure they remain protected and managed for public benefit.

Limpsfield Parish Council submitted an expression of interest for both local assets offered to us:

• Stoneleigh Road Allotments in Limpsfield Chart
• Tidys Green, a registered common and designated Local Green Space on the A25

Both are valued community spaces and the transfer process is progressing.

In addition, Limpsfield Parish Council and Oxted Parish Council have jointly submitted an expression of interest for Ellice Road Car Park, which serves both parishes and supports the local high street. This proposal has been approved in principle and the transfer process is currently progressing. The intention is that the two parish councils will jointly oversee the asset to maintain its important community focus, while using a professional operator to manage day-to-day operations.

Working together locally

As local government structures change, collaboration between neighbouring parishes is likely to become more common. Working together allows communities to share expertise, resources and facilities while still ensuring decisions reflect local priorities.

For Limpsfield, our closest partnership will naturally be with Oxted, given our shared geography, services and local economy.

Looking ahead

While much of the detail of the reorganisation is still being developed, the overall aim is to streamline local government and bring decision-making closer to communities.

For Limpsfield, our strong local planning policies, active parish council and engaged community place us in a good position to navigate the transition. Parish councils are likely to become an increasingly important voice for local communities, ensuring that the character, environment and needs of our villages continue to be properly represented as Surrey’s new local government structure takes shape.

Please come along to the Annual Parish Meeting on 14 May 2026, St Peter’s Church Hall, 7.30pm – it’s a great opportunity to ask questions and speak to your local councillors about the future of the parish.