On 5 February 2025 the government identified Surrey as being on a fast track to local government reorganisation to unlock devolution. At that time, the government stressed the 'urgency of creating sustainable unitary local government in Surrey', and postponed the planned county elections in May 2025 to help speed up reorganisation and "deliver the local ambitions for devolution with the benefits it will bring."
Surrey's fast track status reflects the government's recognition of the urgency to reform local governance in the area. The mandate was issued to address the challenges faced by councils in two-tier areas and "to ensure that Surrey can quickly benefit from streamlined governance".
The reorganisation process is expected to progress quickly, below is a summary of the key timelines and milestones as part of Surrey's Local Government Reorganisation.
10 January 2025
Upper tier authorities were invited to submit requests to either join the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) and / or delay local elections due to be held in May 2025.
Surrey County Council submitted a request to join the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) and delay the local county elections which were due to be held in May 2025.
5 February 2025
The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed Surrey would be re-organised to adopt unitary council status through a fast track programme.
The government also accepted Surrey's request to delay the county elections, which have been postponed from May 2025 to May 2026.
Formal invitations for unitary proposals were issued to Surrey County Council and the eleven district and borough Councils.
10 February 2025
Surrey County Council and the district and borough councils all agreed that a single unitary authority was not a viable option for the local government reorganisation.
21 March 2025
Interim local government re-organisation proposals were submitted to government. You can read more on the scope and recommendations put forward in the interim proposals. Surrey County Council submitted a proposal recommending two unitary authorities.
Whilst not all district and borough authorities have expressed a clear preference at this stage of the process, of the majority that have, all strongly support and recommend a three unitary model which was submitted to government.
31 March 2025
The district and borough council’s launched a survey to gain feedback and views from local residents. The survey is due to close on the 20 April 25. Find out more and complete the residents survey.
We are currently at this point, progressing towards a crucial milestone in Surrey, aiming to submit our final proposals by 9 May 2025.
9 May 2025
Final proposals for local government re-organisation in Surrey to be submitted to government.
Autumn 2025
Final decision from Ministers on the future local government structures in Surrey.
May 2026
Elections for new unitary councils to take place.
April 2027
New unitary councils expected to be in place.