In December 2024 the Government announced it was reorganising local government in Surrey to create ‘unitary’ authorities. These would combine the existing responsibilities of the county (e.g. education, social care, highways) and boroughs and districts (e.g. planning, housing). Surrey County Council is proposing two unitaries whilst Guildford Borough Council is proposing three unitaries. The three unitary model is supported by nine of the eleven boroughs in the county.
East Horsley parish would be impacted as follows:
- two unitary model: we would be part of West Surrey which would comprise the existing Guildford, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Waverley and Woking districts and boroughs; or
- three unitary model: we would be part of West Surrey which would comprise the existing Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking districts and boroughs.
The advocates of two unitary authorities believe it will offer better value for taxpayers with stable finances protecting vital services. It will also simplify services with fewer points of contact and reduced confusion about which council does what.
The advocates of three unitary authorities believe the approach is strongly local – it “actively fosters and encourages community empowerment, local decision making and strong place leadership” (Shaping Surrey’s Future, 2025).
An early engagement survey across Surrey showed that of 3,300 residents almost two thirds (63%) expressed a preference for three unitary authorities. Seventeen per cent preferred a two unitary approach, with 20% expressing no preference. Residents said their preference was for a solution that understands local issues and offers local decision making; saving money was a much lower priority.
Underpinning both proposals is the assumption that Surrey’s stranded debt will be addressed to enable a successful transition to the new way of working. The Government has committed that the massive debts incurred by Woking, which totalled £2.6 billion at one stage, will be dealt with. According to the Minister of State (Jim McMahon) in June, “Government is committed to addressing that unmanageable debt so that any new councils formed out of reorganisation are sustainable in the long-term”. Government will provide debt repayment support but the full details have yet to be announced.
The impact of local government reorganisation on parish councils remains unclear.
Have your say
The Government is holding a public consultation which closes on 8 August 2025. The link to the online survey is: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr#consultation1.
EHPC will submit a consultation response following discussion at the Council on 28 July. Initial views are that the three unitary model offers a geography that should have a better chance of reflecting our local priorities. Such a change programme should also be easier to manage given that fewer boroughs are involved and Guildford and Waverley already share an executive team.
Following this consultation Government will make a decision on the most appropriate approach for Surrey during the Autumn.
Online resources
If you are interested in finding out more there are several resources online:
Guildford Borough Council: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/27476/Have-your-say-on-the-future-of-local-government-in-Surrey
Surrey County Council: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr#consultation1
Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub: https://www.surreylgrhub.org