A significant change is on the way for local government! 

And thanks to Surry County Council, the Silly Season has been chosen to consult residents when many are away on holiday, why not Christmas, we ask?

An Online Event may help residents have their say on local government reorganisation.

However, we at the Waverley Web believe that a vast number of residents will not have access to the necessary technology to participate. When will the “old-fashioned” public meetings be held?

At the Executive meeting this week, Leader Paul Follows announced there would be four local public meetings.

• Haslemere on July 14 – Farnham on the 16th, Godalming on the 22nd, and Cranleigh on the 29th. Venues to be arranged.

Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils are inviting residents to join them for an “Online Engagement Session” on Thursday, July 3, to learn about the most significant change to Surrey Councils in over 50 years.

The government has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace current councils with up to three bigger councils in the county. At the online session, lead councillors and officers from Waverley and Guildford Councils will:

• Explain what Local Government Reorganisation is

• Outline the options being considered, and

• Show residents how to get involved.

There will also be an opportunity for local people to ask questions about what the changes could mean for them, their family and our community.

Cllr Julia McShane, Guildford’s Leader, said: “This consultation is the only opportunity local people will have to give their views to the government, and shape how future decisions are made, services delivered, and communities represented in Surrey.

“We want local people to have access to all the information they need to take part in this once-in-a-generation change, and give the Government an informed view. This online session is the first in a series of opportunities our community will have to engage with us, and I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.”

The government is consulting on two proposals:

• Surrey County Council leads the first and is for two unitary authorities – East and West Surrey

• The second is for three unitary authorities – North, East and West Surrey – and is supported by nine of the county’s district and borough councils, including Waverley and Guildford.

Cllr Paul Follows, Waverley’s Leader, said:

“We strongly believe a move to three unitary authorities is the right approach for our residents. This model would keep local government local. Decisions would be made by people who understand our area, and councils would be connected to their communities.

“A three-unitary approach would deliver the services our residents need, support our local business community and future growth, and make sure there is strong local leadership and accountability.”

Registering for the Online Engagement Session

The Online Engagement Session will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

You can register now for this event, which will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Residents can also participate in the Government consultation, which is open until Tuesday, August 5.

There’s a link to the Surrey LGR Hub, which outlines information on Local Government Reorganisation and the two proposals.