Supporting local people to have their say on the future of local government in Surrey – dates and venues for in-person events
Updated July 2025
GBC is supporting residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on 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. The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations, and will run until Tuesday 5 August.
The consultation is the only opportunity local people will have to give their views to the Government, and GBC is running a series of online and in-person events to help support communities to have their say.
Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, says:
“At these events, GBC will explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the options being considered, and show residents how to get involved. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about what the changes could mean for you, your family, your business or organisation, and our community.”
The Government is consulting on two options:
- A proposal by Surrey County Council to create two unitary authorities – supported by Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.
- A plan to establish three new unitary councils – supported by nine district and borough councils including Guildford and Waverley.
Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, says:
“We strongly believe a move to three unitary authorities in Surrey is the right approach for local people. Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their area—a three unitary approach will keep local government local.
“Whatever your view is on these changes, GBC wants your voice to be heard. Through our series of events for residents and local groups, GBC is here to help local people take part in the consultation, ask any questions they have, and be able to give an informed view to the Government.”
In-person events for residents (7pm to 8.30pm):
- The Lecture Hall, Haslemere Museum – Monday 14 July: Register to attend
- Bush Hotel, Farnham – Wednesday 16 July: Register to attend
- The Caudle Hall, Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming – Tuesday 22 July: Register to attend
- Guildhall, Guildford High Street – Thursday 24 July: Register to attend
- Theatre, Ash Manor School – Monday 28 July: Register to attend
- Cranleigh Methodist Church, Cranleigh – Tuesday 29 July: Register to attend
Online webinars:
- Stakeholders, partners, and local organisations: Monday 14 July, 2pm–3.30pm – Register
- Parish Councils: Wednesday 16 July, 3pm–4pm – Register
- Local business community: Monday 28 July, 1.30pm–3pm – Register
There will be further community events throughout the consultation period—details will be published on GBC's website and social media channels.
You can read more about the proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey and find out how to take part in the consultation on the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub.
Using the Government’s consultation questions as a guide, we also explain why we support the three unitary option, which may help local people to submit their own response.