Plans emerge for Surrey council reorganisation
Getty ImagesPlans of how councils in Surrey could be reorganised have emerged.
Surrey County Council and the 11 district authorities are to submit proposals for the Westminster's devolution plans suggesting they are replaced with either two or three councils.
The current SCC leader Tim Oliver set out a preference for two authorities replacing the existing 12, saying it would "bring the most benefits".
Hannah Dalton, chair of Surrey Leaders Group, said the "vast majority" of the 11 district and borough councils supported a shift to three unitary councils to look after services.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier model of local government, with services split between the county council and the 11 districts and boroughs.
Councillors have previously raised concerns about the timetable for change being "incredibly tight".
Dalton, an Epsom councillor, said council leaders had been meeting weekly to discuss plans.
"We remain committed to working together to agree a proposal that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents," she said.
Plans will be discussed at specially-called council meetings across the county and SCC's cabinet will vote on submitting plans to government on Tuesday.
Options for reorganisation include Surrey splitting into east and west or a north/south split.
There could also be a three way split, which would include a north, east and west Surrey, with between 52-56 councillors.
Tim Oliver, SCC leader, said he was pleased leaders had agreed the principles of a proposal, making Surrey the first area in the country to agree a collective plan with all councils.
"I am clear that two unitary councils would bring the most benefits for Surrey's residents," he said.
The reorganisation of councils in Surrey would "unlock further devolution", he added, meaning a mayor could be elected and "bring more power, flexibility and funding".
"It's important to consider how all council services, as well as other bodies like the police, fire service, health services operate, so any new system makes sense for residents," Oliver added.
Once interim proposals are submitted on 21 March, the government will advise whether any should be developed further.
A full business case would then be submitted to government on 9 May.
A final decision is expected from government in autumn.
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