The East Surrey Shadow Authority convened for its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to establish its foundational governance structures and prepare for the transition to a new unitary authority. Key discussions were scheduled around the adoption of the council's constitution, the appointment of key leadership roles, and the establishment of various committees and sub-committees. The meeting also addressed the critical implementation plan for local government reorganisation in Surrey.

Establishing the East Surrey Shadow Authority

The meeting began with the formal welcome of councillors to the inaugural meeting of the East Surrey Shadow Authority. This was followed by the election of a Chair and the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Authority. The agenda also included the consideration of the election returns from the elections held on 8 May 2026, confirming those duly elected as councillors for the various wards.

Adopting the Constitution and Governance Framework

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed constitution for the East Surrey Shadow Authority. This document, established under the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026, outlines the mandatory governance arrangements for the shadow period leading up to the creation of the East Surrey Council on 31 March 2027. The East Surrey Joint Committee had recommended its adoption, incorporating the necessary governance arrangements for the shadow period.

Further to the constitution, the Authority was scheduled to consider the election of its Leader and the appointment of the Deputy Leader and members of the Shadow Executive. The names of the Leaders and Deputy Leaders of the political groups were also to be received.

Political Balance and Committee Appointments

Ensuring political balance and the fair allocation of committee places was a key focus. The meeting was to consider the political make-up of the council following the elections on 7 May 2026 and agree the allocation of seats on various committees between the political groups, in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and associated regulations. This included the appointment of members to the following committees:

• Standards Committee: Scheduled to establish a Standards Sub Committee and a Constitution Sub Committee, and to appoint members to the Constitution Sub Committee.
• Employment Committee: Planned to establish a Senior Officer Employment Sub Committee, an Investigating and Disciplinary Sub Committee, and an Appeals Sub Committee, and to appoint members to these sub-committees.
• Audit and Governance Committee: The agenda included the election of a Chair and the appointment of a Vice Chair.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee: The election of a Chair and the appointment of a Vice Chair were scheduled.
• Constitution Committee: The election of a Chair and the appointment of a Vice Chair were planned.

Local Government Reorganisation Implementation

A substantial part of the meeting was dedicated to the implementation programme for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. The Authority was to consider a report from the East Surrey Joint Committee regarding the implementation plan, a crucial document detailing the approach, plans, and timetables for the transition of services, functions, assets, liabilities, and property from the 12 current sovereign councils to the new unitary authorities. The plan, developed in line with the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026, aims to ensure a safe and legal transition by Vesting Day on 1 April 2027.

Additionally, the meeting was to address the schedule of meetings for the East Surrey Shadow Authority during the shadow period and to receive a report concerning a scheme for Members' Allowances and the appointment of an Independent Remuneration Panel. The designation of interim statutory officers for the East Surrey Shadow Authority was also on the agenda, a necessary step for lawful operation and the establishment of core governance arrangements.

Members' Allowances and Independent Remuneration Panel

The Authority was to consider a report on the scheme of allowances for its members, including recommendations from an Independent Remuneration Panel. This included proposals for basic allowances, special responsibility allowances, and provisions for travel, subsistence, and carers' expenses. The report also addressed the formulation of a scheme for East Surrey Council beyond 1 April 2027 and proposed reconvening the Independent Remuneration Panel for a review during the shadow period.

The meeting's agenda indicated that discussions would cover the political balance of the council, the allocation of committee seats, and the appointment of councillors to these committees. The establishment of various sub-committees under the Standards and Employment Committees was also scheduled, along with the appointment of members to these bodies. The overall aim was to ensure the operational readiness and effective governance of the new shadow authority.