Surrey County Council approves plan to create two unitary authorities, sparking debate over financial sustainability and future governance.
Surrey County Council Approves Two Unitary Authorities Plan
Surrey County Council (SCC) has approved a proposal to reorganise local government into two unitary authorities, dividing the county into east and west regions. This plan, supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council, aims to replace the current 12 councils with a streamlined structure intended to improve efficiency and financial security.
Division of Councils Between East and West Authorities
The western authority will include Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Woking, Guildford, and Waverley, while the eastern authority will comprise Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge. The plan is based on detailed analysis considering population, land area, housing, business activity, and public services, with a focus on financial sustainability and community engagement through proposed Community Boards.
Opposition Favors Three Unitary Authorities for Balance
Several borough councils, including Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, and Reigate & Banstead, advocate for a three-unitary model, arguing it offers a more balanced financial outlook. Critics, including the Residents’ Association leader Catherine Powell, highlight concerns that the two-authority plan groups areas with high debt and service needs into one authority, potentially undermining sustainability.
Political Perspectives and Next Steps
While Conservative leader Tim Oliver emphasizes that the decision is evidence-based and non-political, Liberal Democrat, Labour, and Green Party councillors oppose the two-unitary council model. The government has set a deadline for final submissions and is expected to decide on the proposals by the end of 2025, with new councils anticipated to be established in 2027.
This reorganisation represents a significant shift in Surrey’s local governance, aiming to simplify administration and enhance service delivery while navigating complex financial and political challenges.
