Future Surrey - Local Government Reform Guide

You may have seen news about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey and wondered what it actually means. The changes can sound complicated, but in simple terms they're designed to make local government easier to understand and more efficient.

Here's a straightforward guide to what's happening and what it means for people living in Epsom, Ewell and the surrounding areas.

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

At the moment, many services in Surrey are delivered by two different councils:

The Government has decided that this two-tier system will be replaced by two new unitary councils, each responsible for delivering all local council services in their area.

Which Council Will Epsom & Ewell Be Part Of?

From 1 April 2027, Epsom & Ewell will become part of the new East Surrey Council.

Will Services Change Straight Away?

For most residents, day-to-day services will continue as normal during the transition.

will continue to operate while the new councils prepare to take over in April 2027. Existing councillors and councils will continue to serve residents during the transition period.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

The aim is to create a simpler system where one council is responsible for all local services, rather than responsibilities being split between county and borough councils.

The Government believes this could make services easier to access, improve coordination and help councils plan more effectively for the future.

Have Your Say

The new councils are still being shaped, and residents are being encouraged to share what makes their local area unique. The Future Surrey website includes information about the changes, answers to frequently asked questions and opportunities to take part in consultations.

Find Out More

If you'd like to learn more about the changes or keep up to date with the latest information, visit the official Future Surrey website:

You can also use the website to find out which new council your area will belong to and follow the progress as Surrey moves towards its new council structure in 2027.

While change can sometimes seem confusing, one thing won't change – we'll continue bringing you local news, events and updates to help keep our community informed.

The East Surrey shadow authority is established to prepare for the new East Surrey Council, which will take on responsibility for all local council services from Vesting Day (1 April 2027).

The new council will replace the current arrangements across Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge, as well as the services currently provided by Surrey County Council, bringing everything together under a single organisation.

During the shadow period, the authority is focused on putting the new council in place so that services can transfer smoothly and continue without disruption. You can use this page to find information about meetings, leadership, councillors and the latest updates.

The existing county, borough and district councils will operate as normal until 1 April 2027, and the existing county, borough and district councillors will continue in their roles until then.

East Surrey Council vision

East Surrey Shadow Authority Leader, Councillor Steve Wotton, has shared the initial vision for the future East Surrey Council, outlining ambitions for a council that is open, transparent and focused on delivering for residents, businesses and communities. The vision comes as preparations continue for the new council ahead of April 2027.

See the video here: https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/homepage/29/east-surrey-council

YOUR Councillors:

East Surrey Council will officially be established on 1 April 2027 (this is known as vesting day). In preparation, there will be a transition period whereby those Councillors elected following the election held on 7 May 2026 will be part of a shadow authority for East Surrey until that time.

The unitary council will operate as a shadow authority alongside the existing County, District and Borough Councils for the first year – until it officially takes over the delivery of services from 1 April 2027. The East Surrey Councillors will have a five-year term of office and then subsequent terms of office will be for four years.

The existing County, Borough and District Councils will operate as normal until vesting day, and the existing County, Borough and District Councillors will continue in their roles until that time.

The full political make-up of the new East Surrey Council is:

40 Liberal Democrats
10 Conservative Party
8 Green Party
5 Reform UK
2 Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents
2 Independent
2 Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations
2 Residents Association of Epsom and Ewell
1 The Molesey Residents’ Association

Please see the following East Surrey Executive Members page for further information about the East Surrey Council Executive which provides details on the appointed Members and their respective Portfolio responsibilities.

Further information can be found on the Future Surrey webpages.