Purpose

The Government launched its statutory consultation on the proposed establishment of a Combined Foundation Strategic Authority for Surrey on 3 August 2026. The consultation closes on 20 September 2026. As a named consultee, the CEX, in consultation with the Leader, approved Surrey County Council’s response to the consultation, which will be submitted to MHCLG ahead of the deadline.

Decision

1. The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, approve the submission of the appended consultation response to the Government consultation on the proposed establishment of a Combined Foundation Strategic Authority for Surrey.

Reasons for the decision

Surrey County Council has been invited, as a named consultee, to respond to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on the proposed establishment of a Combined Foundation Strategic Authority for Surrey. As set out in the Local Government Reorganisation Final Plan submitted in May 2025, the Council has publicly expressed its ambition to secure greater devolution for Surrey through the establishment of a Strategic Authority operating across the county footprint. Submitting the consultation response supports that ambition and enables the Council to formally set out its views on the proposal.

Alternative options considered

Do not approve the consultation response.

This option would mean that Surrey County Council does not provide a formal response to the consultation. This would miss the opportunity to place SCC's formally on record before Government decides whether to proceed with the establishment of a Surrey Foundation Strategic Authority. As a named consultee, Surrey County Council is expected to respond to the consultation. Therefore, this option is not recommended.