Two Surrey boroughs say three-unitary model is best for Surrey's future

Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council have submitted a joint response to the Government's consultation on local government reorganisation in Surrey, strongly supporting the proposal to create three new unitary authorities.

The councils, who co-authored the three-unitary proposal alongside nine of Surrey's eleven local authorities, believe this model offers the most coherent, evidence-based and future-ready solution for delivering high-quality services, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable economic growth. However, both councils stress that they will work collaboratively with all partners to ensure the success of whatever model is ultimately chosen.

The councils argue the three-unitary proposal is rooted in Surrey's real economic geography and community identity. It reflects long-established travel-to-work areas, housing markets, and local partnerships to ensure that new councils are built around places people recognise and relate to.

The councils also cite strong public support, pointing to a survey of 3,265 residents across Surrey conducted in April, in which nearly two-thirds (63%) supported the creation of three unitary councils, compared to just 17% who favoured the alternative two-unitary, and 20% with no preference.

By aligning new councils with functional economic areas, the three-unitary model enables far better strategic planning and more-targeted investment. And it supports better place-based service delivery, with councils close enough to understand and respond to the specific needs of their local areas.

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, said:

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government in a way that truly reflects the communities we serve. The three-unitary model is rooted in evidence, shaped by local voices, and designed to deliver better outcomes for residents.

"We are urging the Government to recognise the overwhelming support and robust evidence behind the three-unitary proposal. With a clear mandate from residents and a strong foundation for long-term success, the model offers a smarter, more sustainable future for local government in Surrey."

Financially, the councils say, the three-unitary proposal is underpinned by robust and realistic modelling, showing over £60 million in savings by year four, while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and sustainability.

Crucially, the three-unitary proposal also includes scope for innovative approaches to service delivery models. While the two-unitary proposal assumes that services such as children's services and adult social care would need to be fully broken up, the councils note this risks introducing considerable risk for vulnerable people. Government guidance encourages consideration a number of alternative delivery models - which have been successfully implemented elsewhere in the country. Thus, the three-unitary proposal enables both more meaningful reform, and lower risk to service continuity, ensuring that vital services remain resilient and responsive throughout the transition period and beyond.

Finally they claim, by creating councils that reflect real places and identities, the model lays a more solid foundation for effective devolution, enabling a future Mayoral Strategic Authority to work in genuine partnership with aligned local councils.

Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, added:

"The two-unitary proposal is a top-down solution that ignores the diversity of our communities and the economic logic of our region. The three-unitary model is backed by the majority of councils in Surrey, by residents, and by the evidence. Most importantly for the future of high-quality public services in the county, it's the only option that delivers real reform, not just reorganisation.

"As we have made clear throughout this process, getting the structure of the new councils right is essential to delivering the best outcomes for the people and businesses of Surrey. But whatever decision the Government ultimately makes, what won't change is that both our councils remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders and partners to ensure a smooth transition and to continue delivering excellent, responsive services that meet the needs of our communities - both now and into the future."

You can read our response to the Government consultation. (PDF, 649 KB)

Visit the Surrey LGR Hub to find out more on Local Government Reorganisation in the county.

Published on 6 August 2025.