Local Government Reorganisation Updates

MVDC acknowledged the interim proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey submitted on 21 March. We remain open-minded about whether two or three unitary authorities would be best for Mole Valley. Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to make an informed decision, which is why the Council hasn’t backed either option yet. More data will be available before the final proposal is submitted on 9 May, and we expect to support one of the options at our Council meeting on 6 May. You can view the submitted proposal here.

The proposal is split into two parts:

Part A outlining some of the joint challenges and opportunities facing residents and businesses across the county. It details how the county, district, and borough councils are working together as Surrey progresses on its local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution journey. Additionally, it raises key issues that authorities would like to discuss with the Government.

Part B is divided into two sections: one proposal for re-organisation drafted by Surrey County Council (SCC), which explores options for both two and three unitaries and concludes that a two-unitary authority model is preferred; and another proposal for re-organisation drafted on behalf of the Districts and Boroughs, which also explores options for both two and three unitaries. Among those Districts and Boroughs that have expressed a preference, the three-unitary model is favoured.

Eight of Surrey’s District and Borough Councils supporting the three unitary option have launched a public engagement survey on Commonplace, where residents and businesses can express their views on the preferred way forward.

The proposal available on the Commonplace page only presents one of the two proposals in part B of the interim Plan submitted in March, which is why we feel it would not be reflective of MVDC’s stance at this time to put our name to it.

Take Part and Further Information
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