Published Tuesday, 17th June 2025

Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government 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 (LGR) in Surrey. This marks the most significant change to local government in the county in over 50 years. Some residents have already provided their views informally as part of earlier surveys run by Reigate & Banstead and other district / borough councils.

However now is your only opportunity to formally provide your views to Government. In doing so you can make your views known about the size and geography of local councils you would like to see in the future.

The Government is consulting on two options:

  • A three unitary council model supported by Reigate & Banstead and eight other district and borough councils in Surrey. Under this option, the new East Surrey council would cover the area currently served by Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge, Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell councils.
  • A two unitary council model supported Surrey County Council and two district / borough councils in Surrey. Under this option, the new East Surrey council would cover the area currently served by Elmbridge in addition to Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge, Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell councils.

Residents, businesses and local organisations can have their say between today (17 June) and 5 August by visiting www.gov.uk/government/collections/surrey-local-government-reorganisation.

Reigate & Banstead also submitted a joint proposal with Crawley to Government suggesting it brings the two authorities together under local government reorganisation. However the Government has advised us that this will not form part of the consultation.

Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Cllr Richard Biggs said: “We are disappointed that the Government will not be including our joint proposal with Crawley within the consultation.

“I am pleased that we took the opportunity to highlight to Government the important contribution that our combined area makes to the national economy, as well as its economic growth potential. While we accept the Government’s decision, we will continue to advocate for joined up economic and infrastructure planning and investment across both authorities.

“In terms of local government reorganisation, we are now focused on trying to secure the best available model of local government in Surrey – which we continue to strongly believe is three unitary councils.

 “A three unitary model in Surrey will achieve the best balance of delivering value for money for our residents whilst maintaining strong local connections and identities and delivering high-quality service.

“Please take time to look at the two proposals and provide your views. For more information on the proposals being considered linked to the Government’s questions, please take a look at the Surrey LGR website."

  1. Find out more visit: https://www.surreylgrhub.org/local-government-reorganisation-consultation
  2. Take part in the official Government consultation directly:

        www.gov.uk/government/collections/surrey-local-government-reorganisation

Responses may be made on the department’s online platform ‘Citizen Space’ or alternatively 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.

        Deadline: 5 August 2025