Proposed New Name for West Surrey Council
West Surrey Shadow Authority has supported a proposal to rename the future West Surrey Council as “West Surrey and South Middlesex Council”.
Councillors considered the proposal at a meeting of the West Surrey Shadow Authority on 30 July 2026, as preparations continue for the launch of the new unitary council in April 2027.
The proposed change is intended to reflect the historic identity of Spelthorne and recognise the different communities that will form part of the new authority.
Has the Council’s Name Officially Changed?
Not yet. While councillors supported the proposed name change, a formal request must now go to government for approval.
Until government approval is received, the authority will continue to be known as West Surrey Council.
If approved, the new name would be West Surrey and South Middlesex Council, and preparations for the new council’s logo and branding would then be able to progress.
What Is Changing in Surrey?
The proposal comes as part of the wider Local Government Reorganisation taking place across Surrey.
From 1 April 2027, the existing county, borough and district council arrangements will be replaced by two new unitary councils – East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.
The future West Surrey authority will cover:
- Guildford
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- Surrey Heath
- Waverley
- Woking
The new authority will also take on the relevant services currently provided by Surrey County Council, bringing local council services together under a single organisation.
Why “South Middlesex”?
According to the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub, the proposed name is intended to reflect Spelthorne’s historic identity and recognise the different communities coming together within the new council.
Spelthorne’s historical connection with Middlesex has also featured in earlier discussions about the future authority’s name.
What Happens Next?
A formal request for the name change will now be submitted to government for approval.
In the meantime, the West Surrey Shadow Authority is continuing preparations for the new council, which is scheduled to take responsibility for local services from 1 April 2027.
Existing county, borough and district councils will continue operating as normal until that date.