Local Government Reorganisation

On this page you'll find updates and information about Local Government Reorganisation. You will find the most recent updates at the top of the page. 

Surrey Leaders submit interim proposals for local government reorganisation in the county 

On 21 March 2025 the leaders of all 12 Surrey councils submitted a joint interim proposal to government for local government reorganisation in the county. 

Councils within Surrey have been working together on the options for local government reorganisation, following the directive from government in February. 

While many options have been analysed in detail, the submission to government outlines recommendations around either two or three unitary councils for Surrey. A single unitary was ruled out by council leaders in February. 

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of Surrey Leaders Group and Chair of Residents' Association (Majority Group) at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“I’m pleased that councils across Surrey have been able to work together to submit today's proposals to Jim McMahon MP, which sets out the direction of travel for local government reorganisation in Surrey.

"This week, all 11 of Surrey’s district and borough councils met to discuss submission of the proposal and in these meetings the majority favour three unitary councils. The proposal for three unitary councils is aimed at making substantial savings balanced with keeping a strong, efficient and responsive local connection to Surrey’s differing communities, from the urban areas in the north of the county to the rural ones in the south.  

"Throughout this process, at the forefront of our minds is how best to serve our communities and preserve local democracy for the future.

"We will continue to work together with Surrey County Council in the coming weeks towards the final submission to Government on 9 May 2025.”

The proposal sets out how the county council will work jointly with district and borough councils through local government organisation and devolution and highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey. 

The interim proposal is in two parts – part A and part B:  

  • Part A sets out how councils will work together to progress through local government reorganisation and devolution. It also highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey, and raises some topics that councils would welcome further discussion with government on to ensure a smooth transition for any new arrangements. 
  • Part B sets out proposals for future reorganisation in Surrey, including advantages and disadvantages of different options, approaches to implementation and engagement and steps needed to finalise proposals by the government’s deadline of 9th May. 

A final decision is expected from government in the autumn. 

 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's position on future governance in Surrey 

At an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 18 March 2025, Epsom & Ewell Councillors met to discuss the submission to Jim McMahon MP made on Friday 21 March 2025, outlining the interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey. Councillors also discussed and agreed their preference for the future structure of local government in Surrey following the demise of the 12 current authorities, in April 2027.

Councillors voted to approve the initial submission of the proposal to Government and there was majority agreement on an initial preference for three unitary councils in Surrey.

Read the full update here: Epsom & Ewell Borough Council approves joint interim proposal for local government reorganisation and votes in favour of three unitary councils for Surrey

 

About local government reorganisation in Surrey

In December 2024, the Government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution - the decentralisation of Government power to local or regional authorities. The White Paper proposed the creation of more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local government, as well as the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas that don't currently have one – like Surrey. 

On 5 February 2025, the Government announced that Surrey will be part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda, and that local elections in Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026.

The Government has formally invited the 11 district and borough councils in Surrey, plus the County Council, to submit proposals for new unitary structures in the area. Specifically, it has requested that an interim plan be submitted on or before 21 March 2025, and final proposals developed by 9 May 2025. 

Leaders across the county are now working together to develop an initial proposal or proposals for the county which will be submitted to Government in March.

"Throughout the upcoming process, councils across Surrey are committed to delivering the best possible solution for all our residents. Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be to continue to work together, to deliver a proposal that ensures our residents and local communities receive the high-quality public services they rely on both now, and for years to come" - Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents Association (Majority Group) Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, speaking as Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group.

You can read Councillor Hannah Dalton's full statement, which was issued on behalf of the leaders of Surrey's Districts and Borough Councils following the announcement, here.

Collectively, the 12 local authorities in Surrey have ruled out having a single, very large, Surrey-wide unitary authority. This means it is most likely that we will see two or three unitary authorities across Surrey. 

What does this mean for Epsom & Ewell?

The Government expects all two-tier areas to reorganise in the coming years.

At present, Epsom & Ewell is part of a two-tier council system. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is responsible for services including waste and recycling services, housing - including providing housing for people facing homelessness, town planning and the Local Plan, collection of council tax, environmental health, leisure facilities, licencing, and parking. Surrey County Council is responsible for providing services that stretch across the county including education, social care, roads and highways, and libraries.

When Surrey moves to a unitary model, the county and district and borough councils will dissolve and new unitary councils will deliver all the services. 

Keep up to date with news about local government reorganisation

We will keep you updated on progress for any devolution and local government reorganisation plans in our borough on this page. You can also follow us on social media or sign up to our e-newsletter for the latest news.

FAQs

The Local Government Association has put together a FAQs webpage: Devolution and local government reorganisation frequently asked questions | Local Government Association (links to an external website).