Principle 1 - Supports economic growth, housing and infrastructure delivery

Summary

This section sets out how our proposed three-unitary model for Surrey aligns with the county's distinct functional economic geographies, ensuring coherent and strategic planning for growth, housing, and infrastructure. This model leverages Surrey's unique economic identities and connectivity, driving sustainable development and maximising local resources. In contrast, a two-unitary model risks economic incoherence and diluted strategic focus, undermining effective growth and investment.

Local government reorganisation provides an unparalleled opportunity to design a system of local government that is aligned to Surrey’s three functional economic geographies. In utilising their new powers over these wider geographies, the new unitary authorities will deliver on government’s national missions, improving housing development, accelerating infrastructure delivery and driving economic growth.