Our approach

Our approach to developing this proposal has been to establish a framework that delivers financial efficiencies, empowers communities, and supports sustainable economic growth. Our proposal compares two- and three-unitary configurations, concluding that three unitary authorities best meet the criteria for effective local government. Stakeholder and resident engagement informed our proposal, highlighting the importance of local decision-making, understanding of local issues, and supporting local businesses. This approach ensures Surrey is well positioned to unlock the benefits of devolution and drive economic growth.

The Devolution White Paper set out the government’s aspiration to establish unitary local government across all areas of England and for all areas to benefit from the devolution of power from Whitehall, catalysing local economic growth and empowering local leaders.

We are ambitious for Surrey, and the residents and businesses who are proud to call it home. We are keen to embrace this opportunity to establish a framework of local government that delivers financial efficiencies and resilience, empowers communities, and best positions Surrey to deliver sustainable economic growth. This ambition was recognised by government, who set Surrey the most ambitious timescales of any area for delivering LGR.

The White Paper and invitation for reorganisation proposals from government set out clear criteria for any full proposal.

Together, district and borough and county council leaders agree that one unitary authority does not meet these criteria. Remote from the places and communities it serves, a single unitary authority would lack the agility to meet the diverse needs and challenges that exist across the strategic geography. Following the government’s guidance, one unitary would also not unlock devolution. Similarly, four unitary authorities would be individually too small to achieve the efficiencies and financial resilience required. We have therefore discounted one unitary and four unitaries from our analysis.

Given Surrey’s socioeconomic and physical geography, only a two- or three-unitary configuration could possibly meet the criteria for reorganisation. Our final proposal therefore compares the case for two and three unitary authorities for Surrey.