Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution

Updated: 19 February 2025

Background

On 16 December 2024, central Government published its English Devolution White Paper (Gov.UK).

The White Paper outlined plans to create unitary councils in areas - like Surrey - that currently have a ‘two tier’ system of district/borough councils and a county council.

It also proposed more Mayoral Strategic Authorities in areas such as Surrey that don’t currently have one. These groupings of unitary councils, once set up, will have powers transferred to them from Government for things like strategic planning, transport, infrastructure, and economic development and skills.

Current structure of local government

Currently in Surrey responsibilities for delivering services are split across a range of councils. These are sometimes referred to as tiers of local government. Local councillors are elected to these different council tiers.

Surrey has a two-tier council system, with different services being delivered by the borough and district councils (such as Reigate & Banstead Borough Council) and Surrey County Council.

The Government wants to see a new ‘single-tier’ system in Surrey with a far smaller number of unitary councils each delivering all the local council services.

What does this mean for Reigate & Banstead?

When the new unitary council comes in, local district and borough councils such as Reigate & Banstead will be abolished following a short transition period when the two councils will operate at the same time.

The Government has indicated that it expects unitary councils to have a population of around 500,000 or more. This means that it is most likely that we will see two or three unitary authorities across Surrey, each covering a much larger area than current borough and district councils do.

We don’t yet know the final boundaries of these new unitary authorities.

In the future, a new Strategic Authority will be set up as well, covering several unitary areas and with a directly elected Mayor.

What’s happened so far?

On 5 February 2025, the Government confirmed that Surrey will be on an accelerated local government reorganisation programme.

Collectively, the 11 Surrey district and borough councils, and Surrey County Council, have been asked to submit interim plans for reorganisation to Government by 21 March 2025, and final plans by 9 May 2025. These plans will need to include proposals for boundaries, how services will be provided in the future, and what will happen to the debt some districts and boroughs currently hold.

The Government will then review these plans, undertake public consultation and decide what changes will take place and when.

Single unitary is ruled out

Surrey's county and district and borough council leaders have agreed not to propose a single unitary council for the entire county. Instead, they are considering two or three unitary councils across the area.

Next steps

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is committed to working with its neighbouring authorities to develop plans for local government reorganisation that prioritise the interests of residents and businesses. Senior officers and councillors are working together to consider different options and submit proposals to Government.

Local engagement with residents will be part of this process. At the same time, we will work hard to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality local services.

Timeline

Downloads and useful links

• English Devolution White Paper (Gov.UK)
• Invitation from Government for Surrey LGR proposals (Gov.UK)
• Political group leaders of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council jointly respond to Government confirmation that Surrey County Council elections will be delayed to allow local government reorganisation plans to be developed
• Local Government Association Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Hub (local.gov.uk)

More information

We will provide updates as soon as more information is available on our website, social media and via our e-newsletter Borough News.