West Surrey Council preparations continue to gather pace

Councillors on the West Surrey Shadow Executive met on 15 September to review progress and make a series of decisions that will help establish the new council ahead of Vesting Day on 1 April 2027. 

The meeting focused on ensuring services are ready to transfer smoothly to the new authority while putting in place the building blocks for a council that is community-focused and responsive to local needs.  

Key decisions covered future governance arrangements, service delivery planning and the next steps in creating a strong foundation for West Surrey Council and the communities it will serve. 

• Supporting collaboration on strategic issues across Surrey was discussed by councillors. The Shadow Executive backed plans for East Surrey and West Surrey councils to work together on county-wide priorities such as transport, housing and economic growth through a proposed Foundational Strategic Authority. While councillors welcomed the opportunities this could bring, including potential greater flexibility over local funding, they agreed that further detail is needed from government, including clarification on any potential visitor levy and Surrey's future devolution arrangements. 
   

• Plans to strengthen local representation in communities across West Surrey are moving forward as local government reorganisation progresses. Following Community Governance Reviews carried out by borough councils, proposals include creating new parish councils for Guildford and Englefield Green, alongside changes in the Windlesham area that will establish separate parish councils for Bagshot and Lightwater, and Windlesham Village. The West Surrey Shadow Executive has agreed to take forward these locally developed proposals and complete the legal steps needed to establish the new parish arrangements from 1 April 2027. Temporary arrangements may also be put in place to support parish councils until elections are held in May 2027. 
   

• The continuation of local civic traditions was also confirmed for several areas of West Surrey. Residents in parts of West Surrey will continue to be represented by Charter Trustees from 1 April 2027 following councillors' approval of their establishment in Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking, and in Guildford if proposed parish council arrangements are not put in place. Charter Trustees help preserve local civic traditions, including maintaining the role of Mayor and supporting ceremonial events in areas without a parish council. The decision will help ensure local civic identity and long-standing traditions continue to be maintained as part of the transition to the new council arrangements. 
   

• Preparations for the legal establishment of the new councils are continuing at pace. Councillors considered proposals for legal agreements that set out how property, assets, contracts, responsibilities and financial obligations currently held by Surrey County Council and the district and borough councils will transfer to the two new authorities on 1 April 2027. They will also establish how West Surrey and East Surrey councils will work together on shared services and other arrangements after Vesting Day, helping to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services for residents. 
   

Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of the West Surrey Shadow Council, said: 

"We are making strong progress towards the launch of West Surrey Council and building an organisation that is rooted in local communities, responsive to residents and equipped to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.  

 

“The decisions agreed by the Shadow Executive help put the foundations in place for a smooth transition while protecting local identity, strengthening community representation and ensuring services continue to be delivered effectively.  

 

“Our vision is for a modern council that combines strategic leadership with a strong local voice, delivering better outcomes for residents, supporting long-term economic growth and working closely with communities to shape the future of West Surrey." 

Ends 

Notes to Editors 

• Watch the West Surrey Shadow Executive meeting and read the reports. 

• In the months ahead, shadow councillors will use Section 24 powers to review and approve key financial decisions as Surrey prepares for the creation of East Surrey and West Surrey councils. This will help protect the finances of the new councils by ensuring major spending commitments made before 1 April 2027 are in the long-term interests of residents and support a strong start for the new authorities.