The Final Plan
Subject to Cabinet approval on 7 May 2025, ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ plans to propose two unitary councils for local government reorganisation in the county.
These two councils, arranged by East and West geographies, would replace the existing 12 councils and unlock further devolution in ÄûÃʵ¼°¹.
The West authority would be:
- Guildford
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Heath
- Waverley
- Woking
The East authority would be:
- Elmbridge
- Epsom and Ewell
- Mole Valley
- Reigate and Banstead
- Tandridge
Detailed analysis within the plan shows that two councils would be the most beneficial model for ÄûÃʵ¼°¹’s future, including consideration for land area, population, house building targets, business activity, homelessness and total miles of public highways.
Importantly, the plan strengthens local community engagement and raises the consideration required to the differing levels of debt that the two authorities would potentially inherit.
The plan sets out a robust plan for local community engagement and includes letters of support from key partners, business and community leaders.
We are looking to introduce Community Boards which will be shaped together with partners and residents in local areas. These boards will enable community engagement between ourselves, partners and residents, so that communities can be heard and actively involved in local decision making.
Below you can read the Final Plan.
Read the Final Plan Appendices (PDF)
Some Districts and Boroughs are proposing that three unitary authorities would be best for ÄûÃʵ¼°¹, you can
Accessibility
Some residents with accessibility needs may have trouble reading parts of these documents.
Accessible versions of both PDFs are being prepared. And an accessible HTML version of the final plan will also be published on this page soon.
The Interim Plan
Below you can read the interim plan, which is split into Part A and Part B.
Part A - Joint Working
Principles of local government reorganisation in ÄûÃʵ¼°¹, setting out how all 12 councils will work together on LGR and devolution. Highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ and raises topics where further discussion with government is welcomed.
Part B - ÄûÃʵ¼°¹'s Proposal for ÄûÃʵ¼°¹'s future
Part B sets out proposals for future reorganisation in ÄûÃʵ¼°¹, including advantages and disadvantages of different options, approaches to implementation and engagement and steps needed to finalise proposals.
ÄûÃʵ¼°¹'s preferred option is to replace the 12 councils with two unitary councils.
Districts' & Boroughs' Proposal
Most district and borough councils preferred option is to replace the 12 councils with three unitary councils.