Progress continues with Surrey’s transition to East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council 

On 18 and 19 February, the Voluntary Joint Committees for East and West Surrey continued preparations for the April 2027 transition, when the current county, district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities responsible for all local services. 

The Voluntary Joint Committees bring together councillors from the existing councils to plan the transition to West and East Surrey. They are meeting monthly until the shadow authorities are formed for West and East Surrey following the May 2026 elections. 

During their February meetings, both Voluntary Joint Committees: 

• reaffirmed their commitment, as set out in the agreed programme vision, to creating strong, modern councils that deliver high‑quality services and ensure a seamless transition 
   

• adopted the core working principles of collaboration, trust, honesty, representation, respect for expertise and accountability  
   

• received an update on the Implementation Plan that will drive the transition to the new east and west Surrey unitary councils in April 2027 
   

• set out a transparent process for filling key statutory posts and establishing an Independent Remuneration Panel for councillor allowances 
   

• underscored the importance of clear communication with residents about upcoming changes and the election process, supporting continued updates through the Future Surrey website, social media, newsletters, community venues, and printed information delivered to households. 

Terence Herbert, Senior Responsible Officer for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey and Chief Executive of Surrey County Council said:   “Surrey’s transition to East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council continues to make strong, steady progress. Our focus remains on ensuring stability, transparency and continuity. That means putting robust governance in place, preparing clear processes, and making sure residents know what’s changing, what it means for them, and how they can take part in the upcoming elections.” 

Cllr Bridget Kendrick, Chair of the East Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee and Mole Valley District Council Leader said: “The East Surrey Joint Committee is working hard to make sure the move to the new East Surrey Council follows a strong and robust implementation plan that puts residents first and I am pleased with the pace of progress to date. Our priority is to keep local services running smoothly throughout the transition, and it’s important that we keep residents updated along the way.” 
 
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Chair of the West Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee and Woking Borough Council Leader said: “The Joint Committees are playing an important collaborative role in planning the transition to the new councils. It’s important that work happens transparently with thorough attention to detail, and I’m pleased to see positive progress. Most importantly, throughout the transition, it is essential that we maintain strong services across all councils in the best interests of our residents and stakeholders.”  

It was also noted that the government is asking all areas going through local government reorganisation nationally to express interest in setting up a Foundational Strategic Authority, which the government sees as setting the foundations for a mayor. Surrey councils will consider this before the government deadline of 20 March.  

You can view meeting papers, the full list of councillors for each committee and the webcasts: 

• East Surrey Joint Committee  

• West Surrey Joint Committee  

The next meetings of the Voluntary Joint Committees, West and East, are on 13 March at Elmbridge Borough Council offices in Esher. These meetings will also be webcast. 

Notes to editors 

About Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey 

Local government in Surrey is changing to create a simpler, more connected system that can better meet local needs. From April 2027, the current county, district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary councils: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. Each will deliver all local services, including education, roads, waste collection, housing, planning, children’s services, adult social care, leisure centres, play areas, and support for the countryside. 

This change will reduce duplication, improve value for money, and bring services together under one organisation for each area. Elections for the new councils will take place on 7 May 2026, after which the elected councillors will act as shadow authorities to oversee the transition. There will be no ward council or county council elections. 

Until April 2027, all services continue as normal, and residents should keep using the same council offices, websites and contact channels. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Police continue to serve the whole county. 

The reorganisation aims to strengthen local services and support sustainable finances. 

Surrey is also working with government on plans for a Strategic Authority that could bring additional powers and funding to the county. 

More information is available on the dedicated Future Surrey website. 

Ends