Residents across Surrey are set to benefit from faster, more efficient public services following the government’s announcement of a major Local Government Reorganisation, which will see 12 councils streamlined into two new Unitary Authorities: West Surrey and East Surrey.
The reform aims to simplify council structures, reduce bureaucracy, and improve service delivery for thousands of people across the county.
The move will:
- End fragmented services by combining county and district responsibilities under one roof
- Speed up decision-making on housing, planning, roads, and infrastructure
- Improve access to preventative care, especially for families needing SEND, housing, and education support
- Reduce costs by cutting duplication and senior management overheads
- Boost accountability, with fewer councils and clearer lines of responsibility
Residents will no longer need to navigate multiple councils for different services, making it easier to get help and support when needed.
The reorganisation is part of the government’s wider plan to unlock regional growth, attract investment, and expand devolution powers. It aligns with efforts to modernise outdated council structures and deliver better value for taxpayers.
Alison McGovern, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, said:
“Countless confusing councils and fragmented services don’t build community pride or local identity - good local jobs, better public services and more money for local services do.
“This plan will enable local leaders to take the decisions needed to support local economic growth and make sure that Surrey residents get the public services and preventative support they need, as promised in our Plan for Change.”
As part of the reform, the government has committed debt repayment support to Woking Borough Council, which is currently unable to manage its financial obligations locally.
Local leaders in Surrey have worked closely with the government on an accelerated timeline, recognising the urgent need for sustainable, streamlined governance.
This landmark change promises to deliver better public services, stronger local leadership, and a more connected future for Surrey’s communities.
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