On Friday 13 March 2026, the East and West Surrey Joint Committees met to continue their work supporting a smooth and well managed transition ahead of vesting day on 1 April 2027.
These committees bring together councillors from the current councils to begin planning for the move to the new East and West Surrey authorities. They will continue to meet monthly until the Shadow Authorities are formally established following the May 2026 elections. This early work is about putting the right foundations in place and providing stability during a period of change.
What was discussed at the March meetings:
Implementation Programme
The Joint Committees continue to oversee the work of the Implementation Team (Programme Board), reinforcing the priority for a smooth and well managed transition to East and West Surrey Councils.
Financial baseline report
A draft illustrative financial baseline report was presented. This illustrative financial baseline gives an early view of the position the new councils are likely to inherit in April 2027. It shows that both East and West Surrey will face financial pressures, including rising demand for services and limited resources. Financial pressures that would be present whether or not devolution and local government reorganisation were taking place.
It also highlights specific challenges in parts of West Surrey linked to historic debt, underlining the importance of careful and responsible financial planning as we move towards Vesting Day.
While the work ahead for the Shadow Authorities will be significant, this baseline provides a helpful starting point. With strong governance, clear financial oversight, partnership working and continued engagement with government to unlock the debt relief arrangements for Woking’s historic debt, the aim is to establish two stable and resilient councils, ready to support their communities from day one.
Government has been clear that it remains committed to working with Woking to resolve its legacy debt issues. A ministerial letter received from Alison McGovern MP in February 2026 has confirmed that “we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point”.
How plans will be checked after the elections
Following the Shadow Authority elections, Shadow Overview and Scrutiny Committees will take on an important role in reviewing the implementation plans. They will provide independent challenge to the Shadow Cabinets, helping to identify and manage risks and making sure plans are realistic, robust and legally sound. This scrutiny is a key safeguard to ensure decisions are well considered and the transition stays on track.
Planning during the Shadow Period
Under the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026, Shadow Authorities will decide their own meeting schedules. To help with this, the Joint Committees discussed a draft timetable to recommend to them, with meetings expected to begin from 20 May 2026 (venues to be confirmed).
Devolution update
The government has confirmed its intent for a Foundational Strategic Authority (FSA), which would align to the current county footprint for Surrey. FSAs are viewed by government as a stepping stone towards mayoral devolution at a future stage and will have a number of responsibilities including Local Transport Authority Functions, Adult Education Functions, and the duty to produce a Local Growth Plan and a Spatial Development Strategy.
Following a request from Government, most Surrey councils submitted expressions of interest on 20 March for an FSA. A devolution proposal can now be developed and a locally-led consultation run following the Shadow Authority elections in May 2026. It is likely this would take place during summer 2026.
After the consultation, a final proposal would be submitted to government for analysis and consideration against statutory tests. If these tests are met and if the legislative timelines allow, Government has indicated that the FSA authority could then be established alongside vesting day for the new unitary councils.
Terence Herbert, Senior Responsible Officer for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey and Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said:
“This work is about planning ahead, being honest about the challenges, and making sure the new councils start on a strong footing. By focusing on good governance, sound financial planning and partnership working, we are taking the right steps now to ensure our residents are supported from 1 April 2027 and beyond.”
Cllr Bridget Kendrick, Chair of the East Surrey Joint Committee and Mole Valley District Council Leader said:
“By agreeing clear programme governance, understanding the financial position we are working from, and strengthening scrutiny and oversight, we are focused on ensuring a smooth and well managed transition to the East and West Surrey Councils in April 2027.”
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Chair of the West Surrey Joint Committee and Woking Borough Council Leader said:
“Our priority is to put strong foundations in place so that, from day one, two stable and resilient councils are ready to support their communities. This work is about providing confidence, continuity and stability through the transition.”
You can view the meeting papers, the full list of councillors for each committee and the webcasts:
The next meetings of the Joint Committees will take place in April – dates and venues to follow. These meetings will also be webcast.