Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council have today submitted their joint response to the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) consultation.
The consultation is part of the government’s devolution plans for transferring more powers from government to local or regional authorities, and closes on 5 August.
Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending that Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey, and the joint response to the consultation outlines the benefits of this approach.
Prominent amongst these are that the modelling shows the two unitary proposal is estimated to lead to financial savings of £23 million per year, when financial benefits and disaggregation costs are combined, compared with an additional cost of £16 million per year for a three unitary model.
This is partly due to the increased cost of disaggregating county council services across three unitary authorities compared to two – an estimated £57 million per year against £38 million per year. There are inherent risks to service delivery when disaggregating services such as adults and children’s social care, and minimising the amount of disaggregation not only saves money but reduces that risk considerably.
The response also highlights the proposed approach to stronger community engagement included in the two unitary proposal, namely the creation of Neighbourhood Area Committees. These groups will consist of representatives from the new unitary councils and Town or Parish councillors, alongside Surrey Police, the health system, other partners, and local voluntary and community groups, and will work to tackle specific issues and needs in their local community. By establishing Neighbourhood Area Committees and enhancing local partnership working, residents will have a clearer voice in decision-making processes.
Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “Our joint response to the Government consultation is clear – two unitary councils will save money, simplify and protect vital services, and strengthen communities.
“The financial savings are substantial compared to a three unitary model, which we believe will actually lead to an increased cost per year. At a time when the local government sector is facing profound financial challenges, it’s imperative that these proposals are financially viable.
“Throughout the LGR process we have engaged with partners about the importance of working together at a much more local level to positively impact communities right across Surrey. Our Neighbourhood Area Committees will give residents a voice, building a proper understanding of what communities need, and harnessing the force of all agencies working together to make Surrey’s towns and villages even better places to live and work.
“With the consultation closing on 5 August, we urge everyone in Surrey who has not yet responded to please do so, and help us build a stronger future for Surrey.”
Councillor Mike Rollings, Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council said: “Our support for two unitary councils reflects a clear path to stronger, more sustainable local government in Surrey. This model offers better value for residents and greater accountability.
“The government consultation on local government reorganisation in Surrey closes on 5 August and I encourage everyone to take part to help shape Surrey’s future.”
Councillor Claire Malcomson, Deputy Leader of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), said: “I am pleased the joint response, which MVDC’s Cabinet working group considered to be the most persuasive way to explain our shared reservations with the three unitary proposal, is now with the government to consider. I would like to assure our residents and businesses that MVDC will also be writing separately to the government to reiterate our view that three councillors per division are essential to ensure our communities are represented effectively and fairly.”
The full joint response to the Government consultation on LGR can be accessed here: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/lgr/plans/our-response-to-the-consultation
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