Local government reorganisation: decision order letter to Surrey council leaders

The government has formally triggered the reorganisation of local government in Surrey after ministers confirmed that the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026 has been signed and will come into force immediately. In a letter sent to all Surrey council leaders on 9 March 2026, Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, said the Order had been approved by both Houses of Parliament and would take effect from 10 March. The legislation sets the framework for replacing the current two‑tier system with two new unitary councils from April 2027.

McGovern thanked council leaders and staff for what she described as a “tremendous amount of work” to reach this stage, calling the signing of the Order an important milestone in delivering the government’s plan for stronger, more efficient local government. She said the shift to single‑tier authorities was intended to support economic growth, improve public services and give communities greater influence over local decisions.

The minister noted that Surrey councils had already made progress by establishing Joint Committees, forming an Implementation Team and beginning work on the required Implementation Plan. However, she warned that the most demanding phase of the transition now lies ahead, with “an enormous amount of work” still required to ensure the new councils are operational by 1 April 2027. She emphasised the need for all councils to work collectively, highlighting the statutory duty to cooperate and the importance of maintaining a “relentless focus” on delivering a smooth transition.

Under the transitional arrangements, all councils will remain involved throughout the process, with the Chief Executive of Surrey County Council leading the Implementation Team. The reorganisation will include the division of county assets, contracts, staff and services between the two new authorities. McGovern also issued supplementary guidance outlining the roles and responsibilities of predecessor councils, Joint Committees, Shadow Councils and the Implementation Team, aiming to provide clarity on governance and expectations during the transition period.

The minister closed by thanking leaders for their continued efforts and said she looked forward to working with them throughout the year. The letter has also been copied to Chief Executives, Best Value Commissioners, local MPs and the Police and Crime Commissioner.