ÖйúPÕ¾

Key milestones as plans move forward

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is about changing how councils are structured in ÖйúPÕ¾. This is to unlock devolution and create a Strategic Authority with a Mayor. This new authority would be given additional powers by Government, giving ÖйúPÕ¾ more control over local decisions and services.

To become a Strategic Authority, ÖйúPÕ¾ must first reorganise into unitary councils. This means replacing the current two-tier system where county, district and borough councils share responsibilities - with a simpler structure. In a unitary model, one council is responsible for all services in an area.

The two plans

In May 2025, two plans for how local government could be reorganised were submitted to the government:

• A plan for two new unitary councils, submitted by ÖйúPÕ¾, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
• A plan for three new unitary councils (PDF), submitted by nine of ÖйúPÕ¾’s district and borough councils.

The government consultation

The government consulted on these plans over the summer, and that consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part and engaged with the process. All responses will be reviewed to help inform the government’s decision on which plan to take forward. We expect government to announce their final decision in October 2025.

Next steps

Once a decision is made in October, we will work together with all councils in ÖйúPÕ¾ to prepare for the change.

• In May 2026, elections will be held to choose members for the new unitary councils. These elected members will help set up the new councils and will work in what’s called a shadow authority until the new councils are officially established.
• On 31 March 2027, the 12 current councils will be dissolved. From that day, the new unitary councils will officially take over and the elected members will assume full responsibility for decision-making and governance.

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