The Government has today confirmed their intention to create two unitary authorities in Surrey, divided into East and West.
The announcement comes following months of consultation and representations from councils and partners across the county.
Elections to these two councils will be held in May 2026, with a transition year in place to facilitate the changes and the new councils going ‘live’ in April 2027.
As part of today’s announcement, the Government has also committed to working with the new unitaries to establish a strategic authority for the county, although they have not yet provided detail on what this might look like.
Speaking following the announcement, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said “I am pleased that the government has today announced plans for Surrey to transition to two unitary authorities, a model which Surrey Police and I supported.
“This option offers the best value for money for Surrey taxpayers, whilst also enabling the unlocking of devolution powers.
“I look forward to hearing more about the Government’s plans for a strategic authority and what that might mean for Surrey Police and the wider county.
“Devolution and a directly elected Mayor would unlock significant opportunities for Surrey, enabling greater decision making locally.
“As the county that is the highest net contributor to the Exchequer, Surrey deserves greater say over our future via a devolved model.
“With that in mind, I hope that the Government works quickly to confirm and deliver this opportunity for our county so that we can get on with maximising the benefits it provides.
“In the mean time I look forward to supporting councillors, partners and our communities as Surrey transitions to this new two unitary model.”
