Local government Reorganisation
Latest statement from MVDC (Stephen Cooksey) (8th May 2025): -
“Yesterday (6 May 2025), Council met to consider the best way forward for Mole Valley and its residents in terms of Surrey’s Local Government Reorganisation. There were two proposals on the table: one prepared by eight district and borough councils for three unitary authorities, and one from Surrey County Council for two unitaries. Both proposals are available to read on our website.
“Until yesterday, MVDC had not stated support for either of them, as we felt that more information was needed to decide the best way forward for our communities. The final proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Mole Valley presented two different approaches, each with its own implications for residents and governance. Below are some of the key differences:
Geographical Grouping:
The Three Unitary Proposal places Mole Valley in the East, serving 407,000 residents across Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Epsom, Ewell, and Tandridge.
The Two Unitary Proposal includes the same areas but adds Elmbridge, increasing the total population served to almost 546,000 residents.
Councillor Representation: While both proposals retain the existing 81 county divisions across Surrey, dividing them between the new authorities, both proposals would result in significantly fewer councillors in the future:
The Two Unitary Proposal suggests a minimum of two councillors per division, each representing up to 5,500 electors.
The Three Unitary Proposal proposes three councillors per division, each representing approximately 3,500 electors.
Financial Benefits and Costs: Both proposals use the same base data but differ significantly in their assumptions. Notably, how services such as Adult Social Care and Chilldren’s Services would be delivered in the future.
Community Engagement: Both proposals emphasise the need for close collaboration with communities, including town and parish councils and residents' associations. In addition, the 2 unitary bid introduces the idea of setting up multi agency Community Boards, while the three unitary bid explores various methods such as setting up commissions, community champion schemes, and using participatory budgeting approaches.
Mole Valley will be conducting a community governance review to gauge interest in establishing more town and parish councils. Additionally, we are in discussions with Surrey County Council regarding participation in the pilot Community Board review. Both initiatives aim to gather and assess the views of our residents.
A wide range of non-financial benefits were also identified in both proposals, highlighting some potential positive impacts on community engagement and service delivery.
“I can now confirm that the Council voted in favour of the proposal for two unitaries, which, if implemented, would bring Mole Valley, Elmbridge, Reigate and Banstead, Epsom & Ewell and Tandridge together as one new authority. This proposal will be submitted jointly to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and local Government (MHCLG) by Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council in time for the 9 May deadline. We believe that this will be the most effective way of providing Mole Valley residents and businesses with a new authority that is financially viable, able to sustain economic growth, protect our environment, and balance rural and urban communities.
“In addition, Mole Valley identified a number of important areas where it looks forward to having further conversations with partners, the Local Government Boundary Commission, MHCLG and the new shadow authority in due course. These include conversations regarding the number of councillors, transitional arrangements, the need to be able to continue to establish new Town and parish Councils where this is supported by local communities, the importance of preserving community assets and the wide range of additional services we have provided through choice, and how the changes can be used to strengthen the role of local government in tackling climate change. We will be writing to Surrey County Council and MHCLG to explain our views.
“In terms of next steps, we expect that the Secretary of State will consider all proposals submitted by 9 May and decide over the summer months which, if any, will be progressed, with or without modifications. Once there is clarity regarding the preferred way forward, a public consultation will follow before the final decision is made on whether or not to implement the chosen proposal. This is likely to be in the autumn.
“I will continue updating you with any progress on the LGR work in my future statements.”