Supporting you to have your say on the future of local government in Surrey
We're supporting residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the most significant change to councils in Surrey for over 50 years.
The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace current councils with up to three bigger councils in the county. The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations, and will run until Tuesday 5 August.
The consultation is the only opportunity local people will have to give their views to the Government, and we're running a series of online and in-person events to help support you to have your say.
Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, says:
"At these events, we'll explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the options being considered, and show you how to get involved. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about what the changes could mean for you, your family, your business or organisation, and our community."
The Government is consulting on two options:
- A proposal by Surrey County Council to create two unitary authorities - this is supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
- A plan to establish three new unitary councils, supported by nine district and borough councils including Guildford and Waverley.
Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, says:
"We strongly believe a move to three unitary authorities in Surrey is the right approach for local people. Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their area - a three unitary approach will keep local government local.
"Whatever your view is on these changes, we want your voice to be heard. Through our series of events for residents and local groups, we're here to help local people take part in the consultation, ask any questions they have, and be able to give an informed view to the Government."
In person events for residents will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm at:
- The Lecture Hall, Haslemere Museum on Monday 14 July: Register to attend
- Bush Hotel, Farnham on Wednesday 16 July: Register to attend
- The Caudle Hall, Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming on Tuesday 22 July: Register to attend
- Guildhall, Guildford High Street on Thursday 24 July: Register to attend
- Theatre, Ash Manor School on Monday 28 July: Register to attend
- Cranleigh Methodist Church, Cranleigh on Tuesday 29 July: Register to attend
We're holding a special webinar for stakeholders, partners and other local organisations on Monday 14 July, 2pm to 3.30pm.
We're inviting Parish Councils to come along to their own online session on Wednesday 16 July, 3pm to 4pm.
We'll also hold a webinar for our local business community on Monday 28 July from 1.30pm to 3pm.
There will be further events out in the community throughout the consultation period - more details will be published on our website and social media channels.
You can read more about the proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey, and find out how to take part in the consultation. Using the Government's consultation questions as a guide, we also explain why we support the three unitary option, which may help you to submit your own response.
Published 10 Juy 2025.