Surrey's New East and West Councils to Approve Major Financial Decisions Ahead of 2027 Takeover

Following the May elections that created two new unitary authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, the UK government has directed that major financial decisions be signed off by the incoming councils before they formally assume control in April 2027. Any land sale or contract exceeding £100,000 and capital contracts over £1 million must now be approved by the new councils, covering Surrey County Council and all boroughs and districts except Woking and Spelthorne, which remain under government‑appointed commissioners.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the approvals are intended to protect residents' interests and preserve the expected savings from unitarisation. East and West Surrey Councils are expected to publish recommendation reports in the coming days, with shadow executive meetings scheduled for 20‑21 July.