The government’s decision on local government reorganisation, announced in written ministerial statements on 28th October 2025 sets out the future structure for local government in Surrey. From April 2027, the existing 12 councils in Surrey will be replaced by two new unitary authorities - East Surrey and West Surrey - with each authority assuming responsibility for services within its new geographical area.

East Surrey will cover the existing council areas of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge. West Surrey will cover Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking.

The first elections to the new unitary councils will take place on 7th May 2026 and during the period until April 2027, the elected councillors will “shadow” existing district Councillors

The statement said that the government will work with partners, including the new unitary authorities, to establish a strategic authority for Surrey. This body will ensure that relevant functions held at county level will continue to be delivered on the same footprint where possible. These will include transport, adult skills and fire and rescue functions.

Although the government’s initial proposals for this authority included the introduction of a Strategic Mayor replacing the Police and Crime Commissioner, and co-chairing the NHS Surrey Integrated Care Board, these responsibilities were not mentioned in the written statements.

Surrey County Council has stated that the establishment of a strategic authority will be subject to the relevant statutory tests being met and to ongoing discussions between local officials and the Minister for Devolution. The ambition was to have a Mayor of Surrey and the discussions will determine a timeline for this. If agreed, elections for the mayoral authority are expected to take place in May 2027.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) will draw the precise boundaries and determine the number of councillors for each electoral division (ward).