Government confirms new East and West councils for �й�Pվ

Plan for local government reorganisation and devolution announced

The government has announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in �й�Pվ. This is a major step in reshaping how councils are structured and how services are delivered across the county.

Government is clear that this is a once in a generation reform which will see stronger local councils in charge of all local services, equipped to drive economic growth, improve local public services, and lead and empower their communities – ultimately it will help improve living standards.

The decision

�й�Pվ will move to two new unitary councils – East �й�Pվ and West �й�Pվ.

This means the current two-tier system – where county, and district and borough councils share responsibilities – will be replaced by a simpler and more efficient structure. In a unitary model, one council is responsible for all services in an area.

Simplifying local government also ensures a strong foundation for devolution. We are committed to working with government and partners across �й�Pվ, including new unitary authorities once in place, to establish a strategic authority for the area, which will be subject to the relevant approvals at government and local level.

The decision follows a government consultation over the summer. Thank you to all those who engaged with this process.

Benefits of two unitary councils

It saves money and offers better value for residents. Stable finances will protect vital services.
It simplifies services, delivering everything residents need to a high quality, with fewer points of contact and reduced confusion about which council does what.
It will strengthen our local communities by connecting people through Neighbourhood Area Committees in towns and villages.

The new structure

From April 2027, �й�Pվ and the 11 District and Borough Councils in �й�Pվ will be dissolved.

The new East �й�Pվ council will replace these existing councils

Elmbridge Borough Council
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Mole Valley District Council
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Tandridge District Council

The new West �й�Pվ council will replace these existing councils

Guildford Borough Council
Runnymede Borough Council
Spelthorne Borough Council
�й�Pվ Heath Borough Council
Waverley Borough Council
Woking Borough Council

Impact to services

Our focus remains on making sure residents, businesses, and communities continue to get the help and services they need – without disruption. Your local councils are still here for you. Services are still being delivered, and support remains in place for those who need it most.

A message from Tim Oliver and Terence Herbert

Woking debt

In relation to financial sustainability, the government confirmed their commitment to repayment in-principle of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. This is a first tranche of repayment support, and the government will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Next steps

To support the transition:

Elections to the new shadow authorities will take place in May 2026.
These elected members will help set up the new councils and operate in a “shadow” capacity until vesting day.
On 31 March 2027, the 12 existing councils will be dissolved.
From 1 April 2027 (vesting day), the new unitary councils will officially take over.
Work with government and partners, including new unitary authorities, to establish a strategic authority (subject to the relevant approvals at government and local level) - timing to be confirmed

There will be no immediate changes to how residents access services. Council offices and community spaces will remain open, and services will continue as usual.

Stay updated

To stay informed and follow the latest updates, visit our Local Government Reorganisation hub.

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