Local government reorganisation

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Our proposal

Spelthorne Borough Council has submitted its response to the Government's consultation on reorganising local government in Surrey, backing the proposal to create three new unitary councils.

This plan is supported by nine of Surrey's eleven local councils. Spelthorne believes it offers the most practical and future-ready way to improve services, empower communities, and support economic growth.

Public support is strong, too. In a recent survey of 3,265 Surrey residents, nearly two-thirds (63%) favoured the three-unitary model, compared to 17% for the two-unitary option, and 20% with no preference.

The proposal would group areas based on local economies, allowing for better planning, investment and more responsive services that reflect local needs. Under the three unitary model, this would see Spelthorne combine with Elmbridge and Runnymede Borough to create a North Surrey Council.

Regardless of the Government's final decision, which is expected by mid-October, Spelthorne is committed to working closely with all partners to ensure a smooth transition and to keep providing high-quality, responsive services.

Read our 

Hear from Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton on local government reorganisation:

Local Government Reorganisation plans for Surrey 

On 16 December 2024, central government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution - the de-centralisation of government power to local or regional authorities.

The White Paper proposed the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas that don't currently have one - like Surrey.

This approach means that additional power is given to the local communities who know their areas best, giving them more control over decision making and implementation of services.

The government also outlined plans to create more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local government.

How this impacts Spelthorne and Surrey

At present, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils (including Spelthorne) and a county council. As a result, different services are currently delivered by the district and boroughs councils, and the county council.

The government expects all two-tier areas to reorganise in the coming years and has confirmed that Surrey will be on an accelerated programme to do so.

If Surrey were to move to a unitary model, the county and district and borough councils would all dissolve and a new unitary council or councils would deliver all the services.

We could also see a new Strategic Authority created, led by a new Mayor. This could cover the whole of Surrey, or Surrey could join together with neighbouring councils with a Mayor sitting across a larger geography.

Impact on County Council elections

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution has also confirmed that the government has decided to postpone Surrey's County Council elections in May until 2026, which will enable the detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place.

Please read the elections postponement notice from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Read about Local Government Reorganisation and devolution questions on the Surrey County Council website: Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Next steps

As Surrey has been selected for the 'first wave' of reorganisation and devolution, and May's County Council elections have been delayed, it is likely that elections for any new unitary councils would take place in 2026, with a Mayoral election in 2027.

Nine district and borough councils support the formation of three unitary councils (Spelthorne, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking) while two district and borough councils (Elmbridge and Mole Valley) and the county council favour two. Both proposals are published here 

On 5 August 2025, Spelthorne Borough Council submitted its response to the Government's consultation on reorganising local government in Surrey, backing the proposal to create three new unitary councils. The Government's final decision, is expected by mid-October.

Read all related news releases here: Spelthorne News Releases - Local Government Reorganisation - Spelthorne Borough Council