Mole Valley District Council supports proposal for a new two unitary local authority
On Tuesday evening (6th May 2025), Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) voted to support the two unitary proposal as part of the plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. The Government will make a final decision this autumn. If it goes ahead, Mole Valley will merge with Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge into one new, larger Unitary Authority.
MVDC Councillors also backed its own crucial recommendations as part of the submission:
- MVDC notes that there will be discussions with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England regarding the right level of democratic representation for the new unitary councils. MVDC strongly believes that each of the 81 divisions across Surrey should be served by three members and looks forward to discussing this with the Commission in due course.
- MVDC notes that there are to be discussions with MHCLG regarding the best approach for transition, including the potential of nominating a lead authority or Senior Responsible Officer. It is essential that MVDC is included in these discussions, alongside Surrey County Council and any other districts and Boroughs submitting the proposal.
- MVDC wishes to reiterate the importance of being able to continue to establish new town and parish councils with the power to raise an additional local precept through Community Governance reviews. The establishment of Community Boards, and/or other approaches to community engagement, must be in addition to, rather than instead of, implementing the outcome of community governance review(s).
- Once the Shadow Authority is established, it is MVDC’s intention to reiterate the importance of the long-term stability of much cherished community assets and non-statutory services with the new organisation.
- MVDC is pleased to note the in the English Devolution White Paper regarding the important role that Strategic Authorities will play in preparing for the future and tackling climate change and nature emergencies. MVDC would welcome the inclusion of newly formed unitary authorities in future discussions regarding further opportunities for devolution and partnership working.
MVDC want to continue an open dialogue with residents during this time of change, and will be undertaking a Community Governance Review, a legal process to consult the public on how their community is governed and, where wanted by the community, has the potential to create new or merge existing parish or town councils.