Local Government Reorgansiation

Surrey’s governance is poised for a significant transformation. In February 2025 the government identified Surrey as being on a fast track to local government reorganisation. Formal invitations for unitary proposals were issued to Surrey County Council and the eleven district and borough Councils.

In May, those councils submitted their final proposals for local government reorganisation to the Government. Nine district and borough councils, including Waverley, support the formation of three unitary councils. Surrey County Council and the remaining borough councils favour a two unitary approach.

On Thursday 17th July at a meeting of Full Council, HTC voted unanimously to support the three unitary option on the basis that:

  • The smaller unitary areas better reflect the cultural and economic areas within Surrey
  • Smaller unitary areas will keep decision making closer to local communities
  • The large debt of councils such as Woking and Spelthorne can be better managed

Whilst the role of town and parish councils is unaffected by LGR, there is a concern about how highly the new unitary authorities will prioritise management of important local assets and services. In the light of this, town and parish councils across surrey are looking to identify those that could easily be overlooked by a new unitary and bid to take them over locally in order to secure their future.

As part of this, the Town Council has considered those assets and services in Haslemere, Hindhead, Beacon Hill and Grayswood that are currently provided or owned by Surrey or Waverley.

Expressions of Interest have been submitted to Waverley Borough council for the following and we are expecting these requests to be considered by the Executive in November 2025:

  • Haslemere War Memorial Recreation Ground (Scotland Land’Rec”)
  • Beacon Hill Recreation Ground and car park
  • Haslemere High Street public toilets
  • Woolmer Hill Recreation Ground (in partnership with Woomer Hill Sports Association)
    • Athletics Track
    • Artificial Pitch
    • Recreation Ground
    • Pavilion
  • High Lane Community Centre & recreation ground
  • Locality Office, Lion Lane

The council is certain that these local amenities will be better maintained and protected for residents and future generations if their management is taken over by the Town Council. But this will come at a cost. Whilst the cost of the transfers themselves (mainly Waverley admin and legal fees) can mostly be covered by the council’s financial reserves, their ongoing running costs will have to be added to the council’s budget. The process of assessing these costs is well underway and will be presented to Full Council in the draft budget being considered by Full Council on 20th November.

We want to hear what you think of our plans for asset transfers. Please make sure you:

  • Email clerk@haslemeretc.org with any comments or suggestions.
  • Get in contact with your ward councillors – their contact details are below.
  • Make sure you are signed up for the council’s mailing list.
  • Check our LGR web page for regular updates https://haslemeretc.org/local-government-reorganisation/
  • Come to a council meeting – residents have always been able to attend Full Council meetings in person, but from September 2025 meetings will also be live streamed via Zoom. See the individual agenda on the council’s website for joining instructions.