Devolution and local government reorganisation

19 March 2025

Interim submission for local government reorganisation agreed by Elmbridge Borough Council

On the evening of 19 March, Elmbridge Cabinet agreed to the interim proposal for local government in Surrey. It followed meetings of Elmbridge Borough Council and Cabinet which discussed the interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey.

Surrey is part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda which was announced in February.

At the Elmbridge meetings, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Rollings reiterated his aim to find the best solution for the Elmbridge community. He stated that a viable, data led and evidence-based pathway for local government reorganisation is needed to support residents.

Cllr Rollings emphasised that Elmbridge remains open-minded regarding the right number of unitaries to best serve the interests of Elmbridge residents and Surrey generally.

He believes it is crucial that local government reorganisation delivers financially sustainable and value for money for residents. Additionally, it is important to fully understand the impact on local economies and growth and the implications for local communities.

In conclusion, Cllr Rollings relayed to councillors that the interim proposal represents a positive first step and that work with Surrey Leaders will continue to progress the proposals further.  

He believes, communicating and engaging with residents, businesses and community partners is also incredibly important throughout this process, something Cllr Rollings and the Deputy Leader, Cllr Simon Waugh, have initiated in recent weeks through a series of engagement events. More resident and partner engagement will follow in the weeks and months ahead.

Next steps

The interim proposal of reorganisation from Surrey councils is due to be submitted to government by 21 March. A final proposal is to be then submitted by 9 May 2025.

If approved, shadow elections for new unitary councils will be held in 2026, with the unitary councils established in 2027.

We will continue to keep residents updated on the local government reorganisation process.

17 March 2025

Watch the Council and Cabinet meetings on local government reorganisation taking place on Wednesday 19 March at 5pm and 7pm respectively. 

14 March 2025

The Surrey district and boroughs have released their Interim Submission for local government reorganisation.

Cllr Mike Rollings, Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council

“I went into this process to find the best way forward for Elmbridge residents and I am pleased that progress has been made by all councils in Surrey in preparing this interim submission for government. 

“Our residents and businesses need a viable, data led and evidence-based pathway for local government reorganisation, one that supports their need for well-run services delivered to a high standard and also ensures financial sustainability and democratic accountability.

“In the last few weeks, the Deputy Leader, Cllr Simon Waugh and I have been holding events around Elmbridge to hear from residents. Local government reorganisation has topped the agenda. Residents have raised concerns about financial viability, democracy and the potential loss of local knowledge with a Unitary authority. I can reassure you that these concerns have been at the forefront of our mind as we worked to prepare this interim submission on local government reorganisation in Surrey.

“As a council, we remain open-minded regarding the right number of Unitaries to best serve the interests of Elmbridge residents and Surrey generally. This interim submission represents a positive first step. However, much work lies ahead. I eagerly await the government's feedback and look forward to engaging in further discussions to find the best way forward.”

14 March: Surrey Leaders agree on the key principles of an interim proposal for local government reorganisation in the county 

The leaders of all 12 Surrey councils have agreed on the key principles of an interim proposal for local government reorganisation in the county.  

Surrey County Council and the 11 District and Borough 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. 

The County Council is recommending that two unitary councils for Surrey are created, while the option of three is put forward by most District and Borough councils. 

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “I’m pleased that Surrey’s Leaders have come together to agree the principles of a local government reorganisation proposal – which makes Surrey the first area in the country to agree a collective plan with all councils.

“I am clear that two unitary councils would bring the most benefits for Surrey’s residents. It would create a simpler model of local government that is more efficient, offers better value for money and improved outcomes for all.  

“We are well prepared for change in Surrey and our proposal would set the foundations for better public service alignment and unlock further devolution, meaning we can elect a mayor which will bring more power, flexibility and funding. 

“Throughout the development of this proposal we’ve engaged with partners across Surrey to ensure we’re putting the best option forward to government. It’s important to consider how all council services, as well as other bodies like the police, fire service, health services operate, so any new system makes sense for residents.” 

Hannah Dalton, Chair of Surrey Leaders Group said: “The leaders of Surrey’s councils have been meeting weekly to discuss how local government will be structured here in Surrey. Later today, district and borough councils will publish a report outlining potential options on what form local government reorganisation may take, which will include scenarios for two and three unitary councils.

“The vast majority of the 11 districts and boroughs are supporting three unitaries.

“Next week, Extraordinary Council Meetings will take place across the county, at which councillors are invited to note the initial submission.

“We remain committed to working together to agree a proposal that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents.”

The proposal sets out how the county council will work jointly with district and borough councils through LGR 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 the county council, will work jointly with district and borough councils as we progress through LGR and devolution. It also highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey, and raises some topics that we 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. 

In February, government asked Surrey to move forward quickly with plans for local government reorganisation and devolution. Surrey County Council and District and borough councils in Surrey are discussing options for reorganisation at their council meetings, which have been published by Surrey County Council today.  

Once these interim proposals are submitted on 21st March, government will give direction on whether any of these options should be developed further, before a full business case is submitted to government on 9 May.  A final decision is expected from government in the Autumn. 

The full council paper can be accessed on the Surrey County Council website.

20 February 2025: timeline overview

• The government confirmed on 5 February their intent to move forward with reorganisation in Surrey, postponing the May 2025 SCC elections to facilitate this. The Minister wrote to all Surrey Leaders to outline the next steps: 
   
• Key dates: 
  • An interim proposal of reorganisation from Surrey councils due by 21 March.
     
  • A final proposal submission deadline is 9 May. 
     
  • If approved, elections for new unitary councils will be held in 2026, with the unitary councils established in 2027. 
     
• Surrey Leaders and Surrey CEXs are currently working through the various iterations of what a future Surrey set up could look like, aiming for one shared proposal at this time. We’ll keep you updated on this work and any progress when we can. 
   
• Local government reorganisation video explainer.

11 February 2025

At a meeting of the Surrey Leaders Group which took place on 7 February, it was agreed that following the announcement by the government last week, a single unitary would not be explored as an option of reorganisation, but we remain committed to working together towards submitting one bid for the county.

Elmbridge advocates for residents as part of devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)

At the Elmbridge Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 5 February, Cabinet members adopted the following approach in order to advocate best for our residents as part of the process:

• Devolution and LGR should focus on our residents in Elmbridge and Surrey more widely.
   
• If Devolution and LGR is going to happen, it is best to be in the early waves of this process to maximise any support and influence to ensure the future of services is financially sustainable, especially considering the wider current context of Surrey.
   
• We will work with all of our neighbouring district and borough councils and Surrey County Council through the steering group.
   
• A Surrey footprint for devolution sounds a sensible starting point. We are, however, open to a larger Strategic Authority area if this is proposed. We are also open minded as to the number of unitary authorities established as a result of LGR.
   
• Any new arrangement will need to consider our communities, our place and how we maintain strong community engagement.
   
• We should not underestimate the impact on employees, and as a result we see being on the Devolution Priority Programme a benefit so that the process minimises uncertainty.

The full report is available.

Statement from the Deputy Prime Minster, Angela Rayner MP

On Wednesday 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP announced the 'Devolution revolution' which brings 6 areas onto the Devolution Priority Programme with Mayors to be elected by May 2026 plus four new devolved institutions created.

Surrey County Council elections in May 2025 to be postponed

Surrey County Council announced that arrangements will also be made to postpone local elections in May so the detailed work for reorganisation and devolution can take place. 

You can read their full statement.

The Leaders from the Surrey Boroughs and Districts will work together

Following statements in the House of Commons by Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, Surrey will be part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda and that the local elections in Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026. Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, has commented: 

“The ambitions set out by the government will see the biggest shake up of local government for fifty years. In Surrey this means that the county elections in May this year have been postponed to 2026, which this Group has already opposed. 

In addition, the government announcement does not address the serious concerns we hold around local government reorganisation including establishing unitary authorities for populations of 500k people, which will take decision making further away from communities, or provide any clarity around how the debt held within Surrey is going to be addressed so that new authorities are not set up to fail. 

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.” 

All councils across Surrey will keep residents up to date on any news or developments via social media, council newsletters and websites.