As part of the government’s plans to impose local government reorganisation and the replacement of so-called “two tier Councils” with unitary authorities, proposals have come forward from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government as to how this may look in Surrey.
At present, the villages of Englefield Green and Virginia Water in my constituency of Windsor lie within Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey County Council. This will likely change, and the two proposals for unitary authorities are outlined below.
I have sought assurances on the impact of existing unmanageable Council debt (particularly in Spelthorne and Woking) on the new authorities, the Minister responsible has said the below:
“Government accepts that, even after rationalisation of Woking’s historic assets, it is likely that the majority of the Council’s remaining debt cannot be managed locally. Government is committed to addressing that unmanageable debt so that any new councils formed out of reorganisation are sustainable in the long-term.
As previously confirmed, Government will provide an initial tranche of debt repayment support to Woking in 2026/27, ahead of Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey in 2027-28. We intend to provide this in April 2026 and Government will be working with the Council and Commissioners to agree an appropriate amount of debt repayment to be made at that point, taking into account the principles outlined previously including value for money for national and local taxpayers.
Government will look to confirm this initial tranche of debt repayment ‘in-principle’ in September, subject to further certification and the Local Government Finance Settlement, and Government will continue to work with the Council, Commissioners, and Surrey partners after this point to understand what further support is required through 2026/27 and thereafter.”
As a local constituent, it is vital I understand your views on the proposed local government reorganisation and your priorities for Englefield Green and Virginia Water as part of the process.
Your responses will be central to the content of my submission to the consultation – please complete the survey below by Monday 21st July 2025 in order for your thoughts to be considered.