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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
Surrey Council Leaders respond to Government’s unitary authority decision
28 October 2025
Leaders from eight Surrey district and borough councils have responded to the Government’s decision to replace the current 12 councils with two new unitary authorities.
Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group representing eight borough and district councils, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to proceed with two unitary authorities, effectively creating two ‘mega councils’ that risk losing local identity and responsiveness to our community’s values.
“This decision goes against the three unitary model put forward by our councils, which we believe offered a more balanced and representative solution for Surrey.”
“Despite our concerns, we are determined to play an active role in shaping the two new councils that will replace the existing local government structure in Surrey.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a local government structure in Surrey that delivers better outcomes for residents, and we will continue to work together to ensure local voices are heard and reflected in the process.”
The Government’s announcement confirms that an East Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils; and a West Surrey unitary will replace the geographic areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking councils.
Surrey County Council, along with the 11 district and borough councils, will be abolished, with the two new unitary authorities taking responsibility for services such as adult social care, children’s services, waste and recycling, local planning and highways.
Done in the right way, the two unitary model creates an opportunity to improve services for residents and businesses focused on their local communities.
Whist Local Government Reorganisation will deliver financial savings over the long-term, the Government has recognised that Woking’s debt cannot be resolved solely at the local level. It today announced a first tranche of debt relief that will aid in the reduction of Woking’s debt, subject to progress with its asset rationalisation programme.
Speaking about this financial support, Cllr Dalton said: “We welcome government’s commitment to support Woking Borough Council. This is a positive and necessary step, not just for Woking, but for the wider stability of local government across Surrey.
Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, added: "Although we supported an alternative proposal for three unitary authorities, we are determined to use this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government around the needs and priorities of our residents. While change of this scale brings challenges, it also unlocks the potential for more joined-up services and a fairer deal for our communities. We are committed to making this transition work in a way that truly improves people’s lives."
Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Surrey are scheduled for May 2026, with new authorities expected to become operational in April 2027.
Notes:
This statement is sent on behalf of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Runnymede Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council and Woking Borough Council.
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.