As Surrey moves towards a new local government model, questions about who will be responsible for which services are entirely natural. This information will be updated and expanded as decisions are confirmed.
The new unitary councils
From April 2027, two new councils will be created:
- East Surrey Council
- West Surrey Council
These councils will replace Surrey County Council and the existing district and borough councils in their respective areas.
- West Surrey Council: covering the areas currently served by Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey County Council, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking
- East Surrey Council: covering Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Surrey County Council and Tandridge
This means that services currently delivered by both county and district or borough councils will sit under one council in each area.
The aim is to make services simpler to access, reduce duplication, and provide clearer accountability.
Roles and responsibilities
The new unitary councils will cover:
- Care and support for adults and older people
- Services for children, young people and families, including education support and safeguarding
- Housing services and homelessness support
- Planning, building control and placeshaping
- Waste and recycling, from collection through to disposal
- Highways, transport and road maintenance
- Public health and wellbeing
- Libraries and community services
- Environmental health, licensing and trading standards
- Council tax, business rates and local finances
- Support for local businesses, jobs and economic growth
- Leisure facilities, parks and community spaces
Current services delivered by your local council
There is no disruption to council services as a result of these changes. Your local council and Surrey County Council continue to deliver services as normal. You can still access the same services, use the same buildings and contact your council in the same way as you do now.
If you have a question or need help with an existing service, please contact your local council which remains responsible for delivering and supporting services during the transition period, until 31 March 2027.
A strategic authority for Surrey
Alongside the creation of the two unitary councils, the government has signalled its ambition to establish a Strategic Authority for Surrey as part of wider devolution plans.
This authority would cover the whole of Surrey and we’re working with government on proposals that could bring more powers into the county, helping us make an even bigger difference for residents and communities. We hope to share an update on plans for the Strategic Authority soon.
Town and parish councils
Some areas in Surrey also have town or parish councils.
Town and parish councils are not affected by local government reorganisation and will continue to carry out their existing roles.
They focus on very local issues, often working directly with residents and community groups. Their responsibilities vary depending on the council, but often include:
- Managing community buildings, parks and open spaces
- Supporting local events and community activities
- Maintaining allotments, cemeteries and war memorials
- Providing small grants to local organisations
- Representing local views on planning applications and local issues
Town and parish councils work closely with district, borough and county councils to help make sure local needs are reflected in the services provided.