English_Devolution_W...
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The Government has published it's Devolution White Paper for England. (See link at foot of the post).
The objective of the White Paper is to devolve more powers to a series of regional Strategic Authorities which are headed by a regional mayor. This is a model established in several areas in country, but it will be extended to the rest of Engalnd and local powers enhanced.
Surrey has already recently concluded a first stage devolution with the the government. See Map Below.
It is not clear whether Surrey will end up with a full Mayorial Authority for Surrey or whether it will be a part of a larger Strategic Authority. The Government is looking to have approximately 30 Strategic Authorities. The draft map of authorities is due early in the New Year. An Mayor will be on the model adopted for areas like Manchester with a cabinet consisting of members of the constituent authorities, this is unlike London with its elected Greater London Authority.
The Government is also proposing that District Councils will be combined into Unitary Authorities with a population of at least 500,000 people. Surrey has a population of 1.2M approximately so it is likely to split into two unitary authorities. A key issue is how council funding is managed. Some local authorities are deeply indebted, notably Woking, how this is manged across a bigger Unitary Authority will be a major issue.
The result is that Guildford Borough Council will be abolished, probably in 2026. The White Paper supports Parish and Town Councils remaining with revised links to their Unitary Authorities. Guildford Town will thus have a Town Council formed, with limited local powers.
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