New Unitary Council | Changes to Local Government in Surrey

Transition underway to the new East Surrey Council

Significant changes to the structure of local government in Surrey are currently underway, as plans progress to replace the existing councils with a new system.

Under the proposed reorganisation, Surrey’s current two-tier system of local government will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

At present, local services are delivered through two levels of councils:

• Surrey County Council, responsible for services such as highways, education and social care

• District and borough councils, including Elmbridge Borough Council, which manage local planning, waste collection and other local services

The reform will bring these responsibilities together under single “unitary” councils, meaning that one authority will provide all local government services in each area.

What this means for Hurst Park

Hurst Park, which falls within Elmbridge, will become part of the new East Surrey Council.

The proposed East Surrey authority will bring together the areas currently served by:

• Elmbridge Borough Council

• Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

• Mole Valley District Council

• Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

• Tandridge District Council

Meanwhile, a separate West Surrey Council will cover Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking.

Key dates in the transition

The transition to the new structure will take place over the next two years.

• May 2026: Elections will be held for councillors to the new East Surrey and West Surrey councils.

• 2026–2027: The newly elected councils will operate as “shadow authorities”, preparing budgets, governance arrangements and services.

• 1 April 2027: The new councils will formally take over and the current county and district councils will be dissolved.

During this transition period, Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council will continue to provide local services as usual.

Why the changes are happening

The reorganisation is part of a wider programme of local government reform in England, aimed at simplifying governance structures and improving the delivery of public services.

Supporters argue that combining services into single councils can help reduce duplication and improve efficiency, while also making it clearer for residents which council is responsible for services.

Keeping residents informed

The Hurst Park Residents Association will continue to monitor developments as the transition progresses.

Further updates will be shared with residents, particularly as the 2026 elections approach and more details become available about how the new council structure may affect local services and representation.