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 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.
The result is that Guildford Borough Council will be abolished. 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.
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