Surrey County Council

Graphic of people enjoying the Surrey countryside. Text: Future Surrey. May 2026 Elections.

What does the Government’s announcement on local elections mean for Surrey?

Elections for the new East and West Surrey councils are still going ahead on 7 May as planned. 🗳️

Find out more here: orlo.uk/iq78S

Surrey connect. On demand bus service - an electric bus for when you want it. New bus service

Hello Elmbridge! Our Surrey connect service is now available in your area, helping you get from A to B with ease. You can travel around Elmbridge and into Mole Valley if no other bus services are available for the same route.

Find out more about our on-demand bus service: orlo.uk/RRgYf

Don’t leave your future to chance. Get the facts on the care prices now, so you and your family can plan ahead. Check out our easy to use Care Cost Indicator: orlo.uk/GT5j5
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Graphic of two young adult children with their arms around the shoulder of an older parent. Text: Do you know what care costs?

Most of us will need to pay for care as we get older. According to official government figures for average weekly income in retirement, a single person might expect an annual shortfall of over £60k if relying on retirement income alone to fund a move into a care home, or over £130k for a couple.
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Welcome to Future Surrey; our way to let you know about the upcoming changes in Surrey through Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

On 7 May 2026, you can vote for who represents you on your new East Surrey Council or West Surrey Council.

All the latest info: www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk

You can watch the Cabinet meeting live now or catch up on the recording after: orlo.uk/3LRPQ

Sign up to our Surrey Matters newsletter to ensure you don't miss out on any important news or updates: orlo.uk/I4TqA

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And we’re hoping to approve plans to relocate Reigate Priory Junior School to a purpose-built site at Woodhatch Place. This would offer spacious classrooms, improved areas for whole school activities and a design that prioritises accessibility and safeguarding.

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After four successful pilots, we’ll be discussing the future of our Neighbourhood Area Committees, which help us understand community priorities and test new governance approaches for Surrey.

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We’re covering a lot in today’s Cabinet meeting, including agreeing a balanced budget for 2026/27. This is despite reduced government funding and rising costs. The budget will then be taken to the Full Council meeting next week for approval.

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A graphic of people planting a tree. Text: Get your spade ready and collect your free tree

Our free tree giveaway returns! 🌳

All trees are suitable for planting at home. First come, first served.

Head to one of these libraries on Sat 7 Feb:
Redhill, Guildford, Banstead, Egham, Ewell Court: 9.30am-12pm
Virginia Water, Byfleet: 10am-12pm

More info: www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/ne...

A robin sitting on a branch surrounded by a festive wreath. Text reads Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year

Need to contact us over the festive period? 🎄

Christmas opening hours and emergency contact information: orlo.uk/CZ5cj

Report non-urgent issues online: orlo.uk/SkpYc

Keep up to date with our winter advice: orlo.uk/3JfFF

Our social media accounts will not be monitored 25-26 December or 1 January.

We’ll continue to share updates on our website, social media and through the Surrey Matters newsletter. orlo.uk/ZWCvT

If you have questions you'd like us to answer in future videos, please let us know in the comments. 7/7

Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026, with the full transition happening in April 2027. In the meantime, your local councils are still here, and services will continue as normal. 6/7

Government says that the new structure will also reduce duplication, have clearer accountability and deliver better value for money. The councils will be better placed to make decisions that meet local priorities and provide more preventative support. 5/7

Bringing services like housing, planning, children’s and adult social care together will help councils better reflect local needs – whether that’s for people with disabilities, young people leaving care, or families looking for support. 4/7

This change is about making things simpler and more joined-up. Residents will only need to contact one council to access the services they need, helping to reduce delays and improve the experience of getting support. 3/7

From April 2027, Surrey will move from one county council and 11 district and borough councils, to two new unitary councils: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. 2/7

You might have seen the government’s decision to create two new councils for Surrey – but what does that actually mean for residents?

In our latest video, we explain what’s changing and how services will be delivered in future. 1/7

Thank you to everyone who took the time to engage with the government consultation over the summer.

We’ll keep you updated as plans progress. In the meantime, you can find out more about what this means for Surrey on our website: orlo.uk/P1IHq 7/7

Financial sustainability is one reason the government chose the two unitary option. To help ensure this, they have confirmed repayment in-principle of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. 6/7

In the meantime, all 12 existing councils will continue to operate and deliver your services as usual. 5/7

Elections to the new shadow authorities will take place in May 2026. These newly elected councillors will oversee the transition to the new structure. The new councils will officially take responsibility in April 2027. 4/7

The ambition is to have a Mayor for Surrey. We will work with Government on a timeline for this, following discussions with the Minister for Devolution. A Mayor brings powers & funding closer to communities. It creates stronger local decision-making & economic growth unlocked across the region. 3/7

We welcome the decision to simplify local government through the creation of two councils. As set out in our submission earlier this year, evidence pointed to this being the best outcome for Surrey. It will save money, simplify services and strengthen local communities. 2/7

Map showing East and West Surrey unitary authorities, with county wide strategic authority, as the confirmed option for Local Government Reorganisation.

The government has made its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey.

It has confirmed that Surrey will move to two new unitary councils from April 2027. These will be East Surrey and West Surrey. 1/7

A man and a young boy gardening together. Text: Surrey Family Information Service. Supporting all families with children and young people up to 25 years old and the professionals who work with them.

Looking for support with parenting, childcare, education or other areas of family life in Surrey? 🏠

Our Family Information Service offers detailed information and a comprehensive directory that can connect you with hundreds of local services, organisations and activities.

More info: orlo.uk/NVOfE

Over 175 schools in Surrey are in the Eco-Schools programme. 101 schools have earned the highest accreditation in the scheme. This is thanks to over 51,000 pupils and around 2,200 students whose hard work played a direct role in their schools' sustainability journey.

More info: orlo.uk/eLVM0 2/2

Group of school children celebrating their Eco School

Schools in Surrey lead the way in environmental education! For the 3rd year running, we're celebrating having the highest number of Green Flag Eco-Schools in England.

An Eco School is the largest education programme in the world which helps sustainability become an integral part of school life 1/2

Two students sitting at a desk writing. Text underneath the image reads: "Secondary school admissions are open. Apply by 31 October 2025"

Secondary school admissions opened on 1 September.

If you're a parent/carer with a child preparing for secondary school, you have until 31 October 2025 to apply for their 2026 school place.

Learn more about the admissions process on our webpages: orlo.uk/FCdDn

A man and a woman looking at a screen together. Text: Eligible people can now book their autumn covid-19 and flu vaccines online or via the NHS app

If you are eligible for flu or COVID-19 vaccinations this winter, you can book online or via the NHS App now, for appointments from 1 October.

You don’t need to wait to be invited. Find out more and book your appointment: orlo.uk/lPd96