Moving to two new councils in April 2027
With the creation of East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council in April 2027, a series of key milestones must be delivered to ensure a smooth transition to the new councils.
This timeline sets out how we will get there.
14 January 2026 - Draft Structural Changes Order laid in Parliament
The government laid Surrey’s draft Structural Changes Order in Parliament.
The legislation set out the requirements for transitioning to the two new councils, including how the Joint Committees and the Implementation Team would be established. The Order came into effect in March 2026.
15 and 16 January 2026 - First meetings of the Joint Committees
The Joint Committees for East Surrey and West Surrey met for the first time.
These committees bring together councillors from the existing councils to begin planning the transition. They are expected to meet monthly, rotating locations across their areas, until the shadow authorities are formed following the May 2026 elections.
7 May 2026 - Elections for the new councils
Residents in Surrey voted for the councillors who will represent East Surrey or West Surrey.
These councillors now form the shadow authorities and are working alongside existing councils for one year, overseeing preparations for the new councils coming into effect in April 2027.
Current councillors will continue to represent residents until 31 March 2027.
May 2026 to March 2027 - One-year transition period
During this period, the shadow authorities will prepare the new councils to take on all local services. This includes:
- Agreeing budgets and priorities
- Setting up systems, governance and processes
- Ensuring services can transfer smoothly
- Finalising how the new councils will operate from April 2027
This work takes place in the background. Residents continue to receive services as normal.
The Implementation Plan sets out how we will deliver the transition to two new unitary councils, East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, safely, legally and responsibly. It provides a clear roadmap for moving from the current 12 councils while maintaining high quality services.
1 April 2027 - Day 1 of the new councils (known as Vesting Day)
On 1 April 2027, Surrey’s 12 existing councils will formally dissolve.
East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council will take full responsibility for delivering all local services across their geographies.
This marks the official start of the new, simpler system of local government for Surrey.
Services continue throughout
All the way through the transition, services will continue to be delivered and operate as usual.
Residents will still be able to access support in the same way, and councils will work together to make sure there is no disruption.