Council leaders across Surrey have agreed to rule out making a proposal to the government for a single unitary council for the county. The agreement was reached on Friday 7 February, by the leaders of Surrey’s district and borough councils and the Leader of Surrey County Council.
Last week, the government confirmed Surrey is among the first areas to take part in local
government reorganisation. As part of this process, the government plans to abolish councils where two tiers of government exist and replace them with unitary councils. This means district and borough councils, including Spelthorne, will disappear.
Council leaders are meeting weekly to develop an interim proposal, in line with government criteria, to be submitted by 21 March 2025 with a full proposal to follow by 9 May 2025.
The Surrey Leaders Group said, “Following the announcement by the Government last week, a single unitary would not be explored as an option of reorganisation, but we remain committed to working together towards submitting one bid for the County.”
Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said: “A single unitary would have been far too large for Surrey and I am very pleased that we have now ruled out this
proposition. This decision supports what this authority voted for last week at an Extraordinary Council meeting with our preference for Surrey to be represented by three unitary authorities, but ultimately this decision lies with the government. I am committed to listening to residents to deliver the best outcome for communities in our Borough.”
Notes to editor
Watch the Extraordinary Council meeting 6 February 2025
Extraordinary Council Meeting – 6 February 2025
13 January 2025: The Leaders of the 11 Surrey District & Borough Councils and Leader of Surrey County Council met last week to discuss the English Devolution White Paper and what this would mean for the residents of Surrey. Read more at
Local government organisation – Spelthorne Borough Council
6 February 2025: Joint statement from Surrey’s Leaders on the delay to local elections and plans for local government reorganisation in Surrey. Read more at
Local Government Reorganisation – Spelthorne Borough Council
7 February 2025: Spelthorne councillors agree preferred approach on Local Government
Reorganisation. Read more at Local Government Reorganisation – Spelthorne Borough Council
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