Your ERA is broadly opposed to the Government’s proposals to reorganize local government which are to be forced upon us.

Whilst we are clear that the current system is inefficient and considerable savings are to be had by merging some support services in Surrey, the huge loss of local democracy allied with the duplication of some services (Adult Social Care) renders the proposals ill thought through, costly and rushed.

A major concern of residents and councillors is that, by merging so many of the borough and district councils, Elmbridge residents will be taking on part of the considerable debt of our neighbours – calculated at £5.5bn. Whilst Elmbridge has been very well run, no matter who is in power, our neighbours in Spelthorne have just gone into special measures.

For the ERA to feel supportive of the reproganisation, a clear path to resolving the debt issue must be found.

The statement below is from the Elmbridge BC site:

Interim submission for local government reorganisation agreed by Elmbridge Borough Council

On the evening of 19 March, Elmbridge Cabinet agreed to the interim proposal for local government in Surrey. It followed meetings of Elmbridge Borough Council and Cabinet which discussed the interim proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey.
 

Surrey is part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda which was announced in February.

At the Elmbridge meetings, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Rollings reiterated his aim to find the best solution for the Elmbridge community. He stated that a viable, data led and evidence-based pathway for local government reorganisation is needed to support residents.

Cllr Rollings emphasised that Elmbridge remains open-minded regarding the right number of unitaries to best serve the interests of Elmbridge residents and Surrey generally.

He believes it is crucial that local government reorganisation delivers financially sustainable and value for money for residents. Additionally, it is important to fully understand the impact on local economies and growth and the implications for local communities.

In conclusion, Cllr Rollings relayed to councillors that the interim proposal represents a positive first step and that work with Surrey Leaders will continue to progress the proposals further.  

He believes, communicating and engaging with residents, businesses and community partners is also incredibly important throughout this process, something Cllr Rollings and the Deputy Leader, Cllr Simon Waugh, have initiated in recent weeks through a series of engagement events. More resident and partner engagement will follow in the weeks and months ahead.

Next steps

The interim proposal of reorganisation from Surrey councils is due to be submitted to government by 21 March. A final proposal is to be then submitted by 9 May 2025.

If approved, shadow elections for new unitary councils will be held in 2026, with the unitary councils established in 2027.

We will continue to keep residents updated on the local government reorganisation process.

Further reading:

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/two-options-new-surrey-councils-31232821?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/news/2025/devolution-and-local-government-reorganisation