The Government has confirmed plans to abolish Surrey’s two-tier system of local government and replace it with two single-tier unitary councils — East Surrey and West Surrey.
Under the plan, Epsom & Ewell will join Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge to form the new East Surrey Unitary Authority. The remainder of the county — Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking — will form West Surrey. Each authority will be responsible for everything from waste and planning to adult social care, highways and schools.
Elections for the new shadow councils are expected in May 2026, with the new authorities assuming full powers from 1 April 2027, once the required Structural Changes Order has been approved by Parliament.
For Woodcote and Langley Vale ward it means that we will be joined by College ward and the southern half of Town ward in forming a new electoral division for the East Surrey Unitary Council. This is the same as the existing Town & Downs electoral division for Surrey County Council represented by Cllr Steve McCormick. It is expected that our new Unitary Council division will need to elect 2 councillors to represent us at the May 2026 elections.
If you are interested in possibly standing as a Residents Association candidate or wish to find out more we’d love to hear from you. You can e-mail us at info@woodcoteepsomresidentssociety.org or phone John Mumford on 07989086516.