Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution
Pages in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution
- 1. Local Government is changing in Surrey
- 2. Background
- 3. Public engagement
- 4. You are here: Government decisions and timeline
- 5. Downloads and useful links
4. Government decisions and timeline
Government decisions
In October 2025, the Government notified Surrey Councils of its decision to proceed with the reorganisation of Local Government in Surrey into two new Councils, East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. You can read the Government’s decision letter here Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Surrey council leaders (GOV.UK).
In March 2026, the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026 (legislation.gov.uk) came into force. This is the legislation that will abolish the existing boroughs, districts and county council and create the two new Councils from 1 April 2027.
Timeline
| 21 March 2025 | Interim plans submitted to Government - Complete |
|---|---|
| 9 May 2025 | Full proposals submitted to Government - Complete |
| May - August 2025 | Government consults on Surrey proposals - Complete |
| October 2025 | Government decision to implement proposal; unitary boundaries announced - Complete |
| October 2025 - March 2026 | Legislation (law) drafted and passed to allow changes - Complete |
| 7 May 2026 | Elections to shadow unitary councils; local borough elections cancelled - Complete |
| May 2026 - April 2027 | Shadow unitary authority exists alongside district and borough councils; transition planning takes place |
| 1 April 2027 | Go live date of new unitary authority |