East and West Surrey Joint Committees meet for the final time before handing over to shadow councils

The Joint Committees initially met on a voluntary basis in January 2026 to begin the early planning work needed for the move to two unitary councils in Surrey from 1 April 2027. Since then, the Joint Committees have come together monthly, putting foundations in place for a well-managed transition and providing stability during a period of change.

Elections to the East and West Surrey shadow councils took place across Surrey on Thursday 7 May 2026. After the shadow councils hold their inaugural meetings on 20 and 21 May 2026, the Joint Committees will dissolve and their transition responsibilities will sit with the shadow councils moving forwards.

Existing councillors will continue to operate as normal until 1 April 2027 and residents should continue to contact them with service enquires. The new shadow councillors will only be able to respond on questions relating to the creation of the new councils in their first year of service.   

The final Joint Committee meetings included discussions on items for the new shadow authorities to consider at their first meetings on 20 and 21 May 2026:   

Implementation Plan 

The Joint Committees noted the final draft of a single Implementation Plan that will guide the transition to the new East and West Surrey unitary councils in April 2027. The draft Plan sets out how existing Surrey councils will deliver the transition safely, legally and responsibly. It also provides a roadmap for the work required to move from the current system to two new unitary councils, while maintaining high quality services.  

Member allowances

Local authorities in England are responsible for setting their own schemes of pay for members. These are formal frameworks which compensate members for time, expenses, and duties, often including basic payment and special responsibility allowances. Amounts are recommended by an Independent Renumeration Panel (IRP).  

Proposed recommendations will be put forward to the shadow councils with some amendments. 

The proposed Constitutions for the new councils   

The Joint Committees reviewed the updated draft Constitutions for East and West Surrey shadow councils. Amendments were based on feedback from the Joint Committees’ March meetings. A Constitution is a council’s rule book, setting out how it works, who makes decisions, the powers of councillors and officers, how the public can get involved - it is required by law for every council in England. At their first meetings, each shadow council will be asked to agree its Constitution. The Joint Committees recommended that the shadow councils adopt the draft Constitutions, pending minor amendments. 

Interim statutory officer designations 

The Joint Committees agreed to recommend interim statutory officers to each of the shadow councils. The interim statutory roles are: 

• Interim Head of Paid Service (HoPS) 
• Interim Chief Finance Officer (section 151 officer) 
• Interim Monitoring Officer 

This process is set out in the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order (SCO) 2026. Interim statutory officers will support the new shadow councils, ensuring that decisions are made lawfully and that the new organisations have robust governance frameworks in place.  Appointed interim statutory officers will carry out these duties alongside their current jobs until permanent roles are recruited later this year. 

All Joint Committee agenda items will be presented to West and East Surrey shadow councils for consideration at their first meetings on 20 and 21 May 2026. East Surrey Shadow Council will meet on 20 May 2026 in Reigate. West Surrey Shadow Council will meet on 21 May 2026 in Guildford. These meetings will be webcast.   

Terence Herbert, Senior Responsible Officer for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey and Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said:    

“The Joint Committees have made good progress since January and are now handing over to the new shadow councils. Throughout this next transition year our focus will remain steadfast in setting the right foundations for East and West Surrey, ensuring a smooth transition in the best interests of Surrey’s residents.” 

Cllr Bridget Kendrick, Chair of the East Surrey Joint Committee and Mole Valley District Council Leader said:  

“As the East Joint Committee concludes its work, I am pleased to see the progress we have been able to achieve in a short space of time. The Joint Committees leave behind a legacy of strong foundations for resilient councils, who are ready to support their communities.” 

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Chair of the West Surrey Joint Committee and Woking Borough Council Leader said:  

“The West Joint Committee has fulfilled its important role in providing confidence, continuity and stability during this crucial stage in the transition to the new councils. Our work will support the shadow councils to make well-informed, resident-focussed decisions.” 

You can view the meeting papers, the full list of councillors for each committee and the webcasts:  

• Agenda for East Surrey Joint Committee on Monday, 11 May 2026 

• Agenda for West Surrey Joint Committee on Monday, 11 May 2026   

Background on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey

Local government in Surrey is changing to create a simpler, more connected system that can better meet local needs. From April 2027, the current county, district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary councils: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. Each will deliver all local services, including education, roads, waste collection, housing, planning, children’s services, adult social care, leisure centres, play areas, and support for the countryside.  

This change will reduce duplication, improve value for money, and bring services together under one organisation for each area. Elections for the new councils took place on 7 May 2026, and elected councillors will now act as shadow authorities to oversee the transition.  

Until 1 April 2027, all services continue as normal, and residents should keep using the same council offices, websites and contact channels. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Police continue to serve the whole county. Existing councillors will continue to operate as normal until 1 April 2027 and residents should continue to contact them with service enquires. The new shadow councillors will only be able to respond on questions relating to the creation of the new councils in their first year of service.   

The reorganisation aims to strengthen local services and support sustainable finances.