Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution
Pages in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution
- 1. Local Government is changing in Surrey
- 2. You are here: Background
- 3. Public engagement
- 4. Government decisions and timeline
- 5. Downloads and useful links
2. Background
Background
On 16 December 2024, central Government published its English Devolution White Paper (Gov.UK).
The White Paper outlined plans to create unitary councils in areas - like Surrey - that currently have a ‘two tier’ system of district/borough councils and a county council.
It also proposed more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas such as Surrey that don’t currently have one. These groupings of unitary councils, once set up, will have powers transferred to them from Government for things like strategic planning, transport, infrastructure, and economic development and skills.
Three proposals were submitted
On 9 May 2025, the following three proposals were submitted to Government:
- A proposal for three unitaries in Surrey (Tandridge.gov.uk)
- Supported by nine councils: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Tandridge District Council, Runnymede Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council, Woking Borough Council, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council and Waverly Borough Council.
- A proposal for two unitaries in Surrey (surreylgrhub.gov.uk)
- Supported by three councils: Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
- An additional report making the case for bringing Reigate & Banstead and Crawley Borough Council together into the same unitary authority (PDF)
- Supported by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Crawley Borough Council
All three reports were discussed and voted on by Reigate & Banstead councillors – most recently at the Full Council meeting on 6 May. You can watch the recorded website and access further information.