Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Unitary Councils: Surrey

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department has provided to Surrey councils on drawing up proposals for a single unitary council for Surrey.

Answer: In our unitary invitation we have set out guidance to support councils as they develop proposals that are in the best interests of their areas. This includes guidance on issues of size, sensible geographies, efficiencies and financial sustainability, public service delivery, community engagement and devolution. Proposals should be for a sensible geography which will help to increase housing supply and meet local needs. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. We have not asked Surrey to include a single unitary proposal. As part of the feedback process, it was suggested that Surrey councils may wish to consider an options appraisal that could include a counter factual of a single unitary, which could be helpful as a benchmark.

Secondary information