Surrey district and borough councils submit proposal to government outlining vision for future governance in the county

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. 

The proposal submitted by district and borough councils supporting three unitary councils is underpinned by the following priorities:

• supporting economic growth
• housing infrastructure delivery
• unlocking devolution
• valuing and advocating for Surrey's unique local identities and places
• providing strong democratic accountability, representation and community empowerment
• securing financial efficiency, resilience and the ability to withstand financial shocks
• delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable public services that are responsive to local need and that enable wider public sector reform.  

Speaking about the proposal for three unitaries, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: "Today, district and borough councils have submitted a proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey, a proposal rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape Surrey's future, to improve outcomes and opportunities for our residents, businesses and people across the county who rely on us most. We look forward to the government's response to our proposal."

Notes to editors:

The government set out proposals for local government reform in the English Devolution White Paper. This outlines their plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils.

Residents can keep up-to-date with plans for local government reorganisation on the Surrey Local Government Hub.

Proposals can be read here and on all Surrey council websites.