Current structure of local government
In Surrey, responsibilities for delivering services are split across a range of councils. These are sometimes referred to as tiers of local government. Councillors are elected to these different council tiers.
1. Parish and town councils
The first tier is parish and town councils. These councils tend to maintain some local facilities like recreation grounds, footpaths and cemeteries, organise events and look after public toilets. Parts of Surrey Heath are covered by this tier.
2. District or borough councils
The second tier is district or borough councils, which Surrey Heath Borough Council belongs to. These organisations deliver services like planning, housing, waste collection, environmental health, elections and licensing. Surrey has 11 district and borough councils.
3. County councils
The third tier is county councils. Surrey County Council is part of this tier, and these organisations deliver services such as highways and transport, libraries, public health, adults and children’s services, fire and rescue, waste disposal, and trading standards.
4. Combined or strategic authority
The fourth tier is combined authorities. These do not exist in Surrey at the moment. A combined – or strategic – authority allows a group of two or more councils to collaborate and take collective decisions across council boundaries.
They cover issues that need strategic oversight of the whole region and include responsibilities and funding to deliver economic development, strategic planning and transport, adult education, and local growth plans.
In mayoral strategic authorities, mayors will have significant powers over housing and planning, working alongside other members of the strategic authority.
Strategic authorities already operate in areas such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands and the East Midlands.