UK Government Plans Two Unitary Councils for Surrey with £500M Debt Support

Surrey is undergoing a major local government reorganisation that will dissolve its 12 existing councils and replace them with two new unitary authorities: West Surrey and East Surrey. This consolidation aims to simplify governance, reduce bureaucracy, improve service delivery, and create financially sustainable councils, especially as Surrey struggles with over £5 billion in debt, including Woking Borough Council's bankruptcy. The government has committed a £500 million bailout to stabilize Woking's finances as part of this restructuring. The reform is expected to streamline services such as housing, planning, roads, and social care, making it easier for residents to access support through a single council. Despite some uncertainty over how legacy councils' debts will be divided, officials believe the new structure will better support economic growth and attract investment. The changes are anticipated to take effect in April 2027 following parliamentary approval.