As we explained in FEDORA Spring magazine and our mid-June email a significant Local Government Reorganisation is under way. The Government wants areas like Surrey to become “Strategic Authorities” led by an elected mayor. In order for this to happen Surrey has to split into unitary councils which will provide the services currently provided at county and borough level. The Government is currently consulting on whether Surrey should be divided into two or three unitary authorities. Elmbridge BC (in which Oxshott falls) supports a division into two authorities under which it would become part of East Surrey, grouped with Mole Valley, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge. Under the three authority proposal, Elmbridge would just be grouped with Spelthorne and Runnymede. From Oxshott’s point of view, particularly when it comes to planning and challenges to the Green Belt, there seem to be distinct advantages in being part of the larger East Surrey grouping rather than being brigaded with more heavily built up Spelthorne and Runnymede. You can find both proposals and a link to the Government’s public consultation which closes on 5 August 2025 at Surrey.gov.uk/lgr.
