Councils Host Online Event on Future of Local Government

We’re inviting residents to join us at an Online Engagement Session on Thursday 3 July to find out about the most significant change to councils in Surrey for over 50 years.

The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace current councils with up to three bigger councils in the county. At the online session, lead councillors and officers from Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will:

• Explain what Local Government Reorganisation is
• Outline the options being considered
• Show residents how to get involved

There will also be an opportunity for local people to ask questions about what the changes could mean for them, their family, and our community.

Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Julia McShane says:
“This consultation is the only opportunity local people will have to give their views to the Government, and shape how future decisions are made, services delivered, and communities represented in Surrey.

“We want local people to have access to all the information they need to take part in this once-in-a-generation change, and give the Government an informed view. This online session is the first in a series of opportunities our community will have to engage with us, and I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.”

The Government is consulting on two proposals:

• Two unitary authorities – East and West Surrey (proposal led by Surrey County Council)
• Three unitary authorities – North, East and West Surrey (supported by nine district and borough councils including Guildford and Waverley)

Leader of Waverley Borough Council, Cllr Paul Follows says:
“We strongly believe a move to three unitary authorities is the right approach for our residents. This model would keep local government local. Decisions would be made by people who understand our area, and councils would be connected to their communities.

“A three unitary approach would deliver the services our residents need, support our local business community and future growth, and make sure there is strong local leadership and accountability.”

Cllr McShane adds:
“The views of our residents are important, and we want them to be heard. We’re here to support local people with any questions they may have during the consultation process.”

Register for the Online Engagement Session:

The session will be hosted by Cllr Julia McShane and Cllr Paul Follows on Thursday 3 July from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams. Click here to register .

Take part in the Government consultation:

The Government consultation is open until Tuesday 5 August.

Residents can find everything they need to respond on the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub.

Guildford Borough Council has also published details on why they support the three unitary option , which may help residents submit their own response.