In December 2024, the Government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution - the decentralisation of Government power to local or regional authorities. The White Paper proposed the creation of more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local government, as well as the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas that don't currently have one – like Surrey.
On 5 February 2025, the Government announced that Surrey will be part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda, and that local elections in Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026.
Leaders across the county will now work together to develop an initial proposal or proposals for the county which will be submitted to Government in March.
"Throughout the upcoming process, councils across Surrey are committed to delivering the best possible solution for all our residents. Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be to continue to work together, to deliver a proposal that ensures our residents and local communities receive the high-quality public services they rely on both now, and for years to come" - Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents Association (Majority Group) Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, speaking as Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group.
You can read Councillor Hannah Dalton's full statement, which was issued on behalf of the leaders of Surrey's Districts and Borough Councils following the announcement, here.
What does this mean for Epsom & Ewell?
The Government expects all two-tier areas to reorganise in the coming years.
At present, Epsom & Ewell is part of a two-tier council system. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is responsible for services including waste and recycling services, housing - including providing housing for people facing homelessness, town planning and the Local Plan, collection of council tax, environmental health, leisure facilities, licencing, and parking. Surrey County Council is responsible for providing services that stretch across the county including education, social care, roads and highways, and libraries.
When Surrey moves to a unitary model, the county and district and borough councils will dissolve and a new unitary council, or councils, will deliver all the services.
Keep up to date with news about local government reorganisation
We will keep you updated on progress for any devolution and local government reorganisation plans in our borough here.
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FAQs
The Local Government Association has put together a FAQs webpage: Devolution and local government reorganisation frequently asked questions | Local Government Association (links to an external website).