End of the two-tier council looms as Surrey split confirmed for 2027
Ministers have signed the order abolishing Surrey's county and district councils and creating two new unitary authorities, the first concrete step in a sweeping reorganisation that will redraw the map of local government across England.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·

- Surrey's county and district councils to be abolished from April 2027
- Two new unitary authorities created: East Surrey and West Surrey
- Around 20 million people live under two-tier government nationally
- First elections for many new unitaries expected in May 2027
- Most new authorities to assume full powers on a 2028 vesting day
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