In December 2024, the Secretary of State invited councils in two-tier areas like Surrey to submit proposals to simplify local government by replacing the current county, district and borough councils with new unitary councils.

On 6 May 2025, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) agreed to submit a joint proposal - alongside Surrey County Council (SCC) and Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) - to create two new unitary councils to replace the 12 existing councils across Surrey.

At the same time, the other nine district and borough councils in Surrey submitted a separate proposal for three unitary councils.

Before any changes can be made, the law requires a public consultation. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched the consultation on both proposals on 17 June 2025 and it runs until 5 August. Residents, businesses, partners and community based organisations across Surrey are encouraged to share their views on the two proposals. For more information and to take part, visit: LGR Updates - Mole Valley District Council

Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Leader of Mole Valley District Council, said: “Following discussions with Surrey County Council (SCC) and Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC), our Cabinet Working Group agreed that a joint response to the government’s consultation would be the most persuasive way to explain our shared reservations with the three unitary proposal.

“A draft joint response was reviewed by Cabinet on 22 July and will be submitted by the 5 August deadline. We will also be writing separately to the government to reiterate MVDC’s view that three councillors per division are essential to ensure our communities are represented effectively and fairly.”