Surrey council reorganisation plans approved

The government is expected to make a decision by the end of 2025

A plan to reorganise councils in Surrey into two unitary authorities has been approved by the county council.

Surrey County Council (SCC), supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, is proposing that two new councils are created, with one in the east and another in the west.

Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking borough councils and Tandridge District Council are backing a plan for three new authorities.

The government has given councils a deadline of Friday to submit their proposals.

The leader of Surrey County Council says a two unitary east/west model is the best option.

At a cabinet meeting, the Conservative leader of SCC, Tim Oliver, said the decision had been based on evidence.

"At the end of the day, this is not – and should not be – looked at through a political lens," he said.

"This is about what is in the best interest for residents… how can we establish unitaries that are going to be financially secure going forward."

The proposal for two councils has Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Woking, Guildford and Waverley in the west authority; and Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge in the east.

'Much more balanced'

The leader of the Residents' Association and Independents Group, Catherine Powell said the plan for the west of Surrey "cannot be financially sustainable".

"It will include all three areas with the highest need for children's services and the three areas with the lowest council tax band base, which also happen to be the same three areas with the highest levels of debt," she said.

"The three unitary option is much more balanced."

At a full meeting of SCC on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green Party councillors also said they were opposed to two unitary councils.

In the plan for three authorities, Surrey Heath, Woking, Guildford and Waverley would be in the west; Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge would be in the east; and Runnymede, Spelthorne and Elmbridge would be in the north.

Mr Oliver said he felt the issue of the debt owed by councils across Surrey, particularly in Woking, had been "almost weaponised" and that there continue to be conversations with the government.

Ministers are expected to make a decision on the final proposals by the end of 2025.

Elsewhere, Crawley Borough Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council have also put together a proposal about forming a new unitary authority due to be discussed by Crawley councillors on Wednesday.