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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’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

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

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