Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has now officially launched its consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey.
This marks the most significant change to local government in the county in over 50 years, giving residents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented.
The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations. This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals — and every response counts. Runnymede Borough Council's Co-leaders have said:
“In May, our councillors voted overwhelmingly to support a new model of local government for Surrey — one based on three unitary authorities.
"We believe this structure offers the best fit for Runnymede, ensuring local services remain responsive, accessible, and accountable. We have continued to make our views as a Borough Council clear to ministers.
"This decision is about much more than council structures — it’s about the future delivery of core borough services such as planning, housing, and community support including meals on wheels, as well as county-level services like adult social care, highways, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
"That’s why it’s so important that residents, businesses, and community organisations across Runnymede take the time to consider the proposals and have their say. The type of council you help shape now will determine how essential services are delivered in Runnymede for years to come.”
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said: “Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their communities, and this is supported by over 60 per cent of respondents to the survey that Surrey district and borough councils undertook in April who had a preference for a three-unitary model.
"We believe the three-unitary model best reflects that - delivering better services, stronger accountability, and a future that works for every part of Surrey. Whatever your view, the important thing is that you take part and make your voice heard.”
The Government is consulting on two options:
- A proposal led by Surrey County Council, to create two unitary authorities;
- A proposal supported by nine district and borough councils, to establish three new unitary councils.
Councillor Dalton continued: “Both models are financially viable, provided the Government addresses Surrey’s unrecoverable debt, mainly in Woking. In correspondence received from the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon MP we welcome the Government’s acceptance that, even after rationalisation of Woking’s historic assets, it is likely that the majority of the councils’ remaining debt cannot be managed locally; but wait to see what this means in terms of support after 2026/27.”
The three-unitary proposal provides a stronger long-term foundation for high-quality local government, including:
- Stronger public services designed around local needs
- Better alignment with local identities and communities
- Greater opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure delivery
- More responsive and accountable local governance.
Councillor Dalton continued: “The Government consultation is your only opportunity to influence how your area is governed for future decades.
We want as many residents as possible to have their say in this consultation, and we have been assured by MHCLG that every response will be treated equally. I would encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council to complete the consultation. For more information on the proposals being considered linked to the Government’s questions, please take a look at the Surrey LGR website.”
Find out more: visit Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub
Take part in the official Government consultation
The consultation will be open for seven weeks until Tuesday 5 August.
Responses may be made on the department’s online platform ‘Citizen Space’ via the link above or by email to lgreorganisation@communities.gov.uk or in writing to LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
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