Today, the government has launched a consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. It is open for seven weeks and anyone can take part.
This consultation is part of the government’s devolution plans for transferring more powers from government to local or regional authorities.
Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending that Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey. These two councils would work with an elected Mayor who would create a new Strategic Authority covering the county of Surrey. This plan is supported by key local partner organisations, including health, police and fire, business and community leaders.
Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “We urge everyone in Surrey to take part in this government consultation to help us build a stronger future for Surrey. Two unitary councils will simplify services, save money and strengthen communities. This is an important opportunity for people to have their say.
“We welcome the government’s acknowledgment that Woking’s historic debt cannot be managed locally and their commitment to addressing this ahead of the reorganisation. And we also welcome the government’s recent emphasis on local area working and community engagement – something we have put front and centre of our proposal.
“Throughout the LGR process we have engaged with partners about the importance of working together at a much more local level to positively impact communities right across Surrey. This is key to making any new unitary council system work effectively – giving residents a voice, building a proper understanding of what communities need, and harnessing the force of all agencies working together to make Surrey’s towns and villages even better places to live and work.
“Over the coming weeks we will be piloting Surrey’s first few Neighbourhood Area Committees, with the enthusiastic support of community groups and partners across the health system, Surrey Police, District and Boroughs, Town and Parish Councils and other members of the community.
“This is an exciting time, and I’m confident that residents will feel the benefit of a new system of local government and community engagement in Surrey, with the proposal for two unitary councils supported by multiple partners who share an ambition to make this county stronger and fit for the future.”
Cllr Mike Rollings, Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council: “Creating two unitary councils in Surrey will support the long-term financial sustainability of local government and deliver better value for our residents.
“Throughout this process, I’ve been clear that accountability and engagement with our communities are essential. Now, as we move forward with local government reorganisation, residents, businesses, and community partners can have their say through the government consultation and together we can move towards a stronger future for Surrey.”
Councillor Bridget Kendrick, the Leader of Mole Valley District Council, said: “We welcome the launch of the Government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey. This marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of local governance and devolution in our district.
“Alongside Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council, we support a two-unitary authority model – dividing Surrey into East and West – as the most effective structure for serving our residents and businesses.
“Our pilot of Neighbourhood Area Committees in Mole Valley will provide valuable insight into how the proposed structures could work in practice with local communities.”
Other proposals have also been put forward to government including a three-unitary council plan.
Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are hosting a resident information event on 7th July to explain LGR and our proposal. Anyone can sign up here: Events – local government reorganisation (LGR) – Surrey County Council.
Notes:
- More information about the consultation can be found here: Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – Surrey County Council
- Paper copies will be made available in all of Surrey’s 52 libraries.
- Neighbourhood Area Committees were previously called Community Boards.
