East Surrey leader sets out vision

East Surrey’s Shadow Authority leader, Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Wotton, has set out an ambitious early vision for the new East Surrey Council, saying local government reorganisation is a defining moment and a chance to rebuild trust with residents.

He wants the future authority to be open, transparent, and focused on delivering real outcomes for communities, businesses, and households across the area. The new council, expected to come into force on 1 April 2027, will bring together services now provided by Surrey County Council and the district and borough councils in Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge.

Residents, partners, businesses, and community groups are also being asked to help shape the new council’s identity, including its branding, to reflect East Surrey’s character and ambitions. At the July East Surrey Shadow Executive meeting, councillors reaffirmed their commitment to a smooth transition and to protecting frontline services people depend on every day. They provisionally agreed recommendations for how services could be delivered, although further decisions are still required, and the plans will be considered alongside the West Surrey shadow executive later this year.

Work is also progressing on the council’s Corporate Strategy, waste services, the implementation plan for reorganisation, Section 24 arrangements, and the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.

“We are ambitious for East Surrey,” said councillor Wotton. “This is a rare opportunity to create something positive that will endure for years to come.”