English_Devolution_W...
Download PDF [3 MB]
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.
A New Era in Planning. View article
The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has attracted a lot of attention with its use of the Standard Method to determine new housing numbers required by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). In parallel there are a number of other initi... View article
Are changes planned for Local Government... View article
The last government made substantial changes to local Government encouraging the formation of larger units called unitary authroities. Regional Mayors in some areas were also inmplemented. The leader of Surrey County Council proposed that Surrey woul... View article
Devolution: Application to be a priority... View article
A significant date in the proposed reorganisation of councils in England prompted by the Devolution White Paper (See Linked Post Below).
Surrey County Council are planning to apply to be one of the priority councils that re-organises in the immedi... View article
Surrey Local Government Reorganisation S... View article
The government has announced a major package of devolution ( 5th February) – with six new areas confirmed to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
Delivering on the government’s commitment to widen devo... View article
Local Authority Changes - News as at Feb... View article
Further documents have been published by the government which clarify the processes and eventual model being adopted for the Devolution of Local Government, particularly how Mayoral Authorities align with Unitary Authorities.
The debate between th... View article
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.