Update – 28 October 2025
The government has confirmed plans for Local Government Reorganisation in ßÙßÇÂþ». From April 2027, two new unitary councils – East ßÙßÇÂþ» and West ßÙßÇÂþ» – will replace the existing twelve councils.
Council offices and community spaces will remain open, and services will continue as usual. We will be updating these pages shortly with more information on the new arrangements.
Local government in ßÙßÇÂþ» is changing
The government announced in October last year that ßÙßÇÂþ» and ßÙßÇÂþ»’s 11 district and borough councils should reorganise into two new unitary authorities – West ßÙßÇÂþ» Council and East ßÙßÇÂþ» Council.
That means that instead of separate county, district and borough councils, you will have one council providing all the services you rely on - education, waste collection, roads, housing, play areas, the countryside, leisure centres, planning, children’s services, adult social care, community funding and elections.
Having a single council means less complexity, better value for money, and improved services where they matter most. One organisation, working together to deliver for you and your community.
For now, nothing changes in the way you receive services. Your local council and ßÙßÇÂþ» will continue to provide everything they do today. Our priority is making sure residents, businesses and communities continue to get the support they need without interruption.
You’ll still be able to use the same council offices, community spaces and online services. Everything will stay open and work just as it does now.
The new councils
West ßÙßÇÂþ» Council will cover the areas currently served by:
- Guildford Borough Council
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Spelthorne Borough Council
- ßÙßÇÂþ» Heath Borough Council
- Waverley Borough Council
- Woking Borough Council
East ßÙßÇÂþ» Council will cover the areas currently served by:
- Elmbridge Borough Council
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
- Mole Valley District Council
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
- Tandridge District Council
Elections - have your say
Government has confirmed elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026.
Depending on where you live, you’ll vote for who represents East ßÙßÇÂþ» or West ßÙßÇÂþ» at your local polling station.
The councillors elected in May 2026 will work as shadow authorities, helping oversee the transition. From April 2027, they’ll officially take over delivering all local services in your area.
Your existing councillors will continue to represent you until 31 March 2027.
New Joint Committees
Due to the scale, complexity and timescales of work to be delivered, new voluntary joint committees, made up of existing councillors from the borough, district and county councils, are now meeting monthly to lay the foundations for the transition. This will last until the elections of the shadow authorities.
Read the meeting papers for the and the
Strategic Authority
We’re also working with government on plans that could bring more powers and funding into the county through a strategic authority, helping us make an even bigger difference.
Your voice matters
Community involvement will remain at the heart of local government. You’ll elect councillors, take part in consultations, and help shape decision making.
The government also wants new councils to give communities more say through local Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs).
ßÙßÇÂþ» tested this idea with four pilot areas from July to December 2025, bringing together local councillors, Voluntary Community Social Enterprise sector, health and police representatives, schools, businesses, and community groups to discuss priorities and drive collaborative action.
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