Surrey to be split in two in council reorganisation

Surrey County Council could cease to exist as early as April 2027

The end of existing councils in Surrey has been confirmed with the Government announcing widespread changes to how services will be delivered in the county.

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said in a letter to the leaders of Surrey's councils he would create two new unitary councils – East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council – subject to Parliamentary approval.

Surrey County Council and 11 borough and district councils will be dissolved and merged into the two large authorities, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

Woking Borough Council will get a £500m bailout for 2026/7 to help balance its books and make the changes happen.

Waverley, Guildford, Woking, Surrey Heath, Runnymede and Spelthorne will be merged in the west, while Mole Valley, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge will form the east.

Mr Reed rejected the alternative three-council model despite both proposals meeting the criteria for devolution set out by the Government, stating the two unitary council plan was a "better fit financially".

One of the biggest questions the government had to deal with was the £5bn debt levels within the existing councils, with bankrupt Woking Borough Council owing the most.

East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council will replace 12 existing councils in the county

Mr Reed wrote: "My view is that the two unitary proposal is more likely to be financially sustainable.

"Putting Surrey's local authorities on a more sustainable footing is vital to safeguarding the services its residents rely on, as well as investing in their futures."

He said that having one council in charge in each area will see "quicker decisions to speed up house building and get vital infrastructure projects moving, while attracting new investment".

Once approved, the government will pass a law abolishing the existing councils and establish new structures with the start expected in April 2027.

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: "Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses."

A written statement was issued in parliament on Tuesday.