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In the Commons, Guildford MP Zöe Franklin stated that councils had been forced into a reorganization route that now appears to be effectively abandoned by the Government and questionable on a legal basis. Surrey Heath MP, Dr Al Pinkerton, described Surrey as being in an experimental cohort with a sample size of one, the county being reorganised under this legislation. He described the process as a rollercoaster with no known destination and with legally slightly shaky rails.
Monica Harding from Esher and Walton asked about the legal implications for Surrey, while Helen Maguire from Epsom and Ewell said the county is being treated as the test case for something the Government won’t legally back anywhere else in England. Rayner told MPs the changes are not an experiment and are about working with local areas to deliver local services and improve them. The review does not include the reorganisation of Surrey.
Councillors have already been elected, and the new councils will go live on 1 April 2027. The hope is that Surrey, with the two new unitary councils, will be able to deliver vital services like adult social care and transport, meeting the needs of residents.
Source: BBC
