Surrey’s two new unitary councils are considering a “tourism tax” to help buoy their finances amid major changes to local government in the area.

This tax on overnight stays, which regional mayors will be allowed to charge under government plans, could come to Surrey as part of a major overhaul of the county’s councils.

East and West Surrey councils are set to take over power from Surrey County Council and the 11 district councils next April, after which they plan to pool resources on certain services.

It would be achieved through a framework called a foundation strategic authority (FSA), and the two new councils are currently consulting with the government on setting one up. The FSA could then act as a stepping stone towards Surrey having its own overarching elected mayor.

East Surrey shadow authority’s cabinet, which is tasked with setting up the new council, will next week discuss its joint response with West Surrey to the government’s consultation on an FSA for Surrey.

But in their proposed response, the two councils asked for more information about “new fiscal levers” they might be given by the government to help bolster their finances.

This included the possible introduction of an “overnight visitor levy”, more commonly known as a tourism tax, that would allow regional mayors to impose a small levy on paid visitor accommodation in their areas.

The document reads: “As further details are developed, we would welcome clarity on the proposed charging framework, implementation timetable, any exemptions or thresholds, the categories of accommodation that would be in scope, and the extent of local flexibility in how the levy may be applied. 

“We would also welcome further information on how funding raised through the levy may be spent.”

Tourism taxes, which often involve a small fee levied on visitor accommodation, are commonplace in many other countries. A 2025 report by the Centre for Cities think tank described England as an “international outlier” in not imposing such a tax.

Ahead of the 2025 budget, the government announced plans to bring in the overnight visitor levy, which is designed to allow regional mayors to invest more in local infrastructure.

Local leaders would be able to decide whether or not to implement the tax, which would apply to overnight stays in paid accommodation such as hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses.

A cabinet statement from July 2026 says the government will give “all strategic authorities the ability to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy, with local leaders able to set out plans for how revenues will be invested by March 2028.”

In 2019, a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that a £1 tourist tax could raise £420 million per year across England.

A government spokesperson said: “The levy will help ensure local people and economies keep more of the rewards and invest in what matters most to their communities, including reinvesting back into tourism.

“Similar levies in other countries typically add only a small amount per night and evidence suggests that they can have a limited impact on visitor numbers and jobs. 

“Local leaders will need to consult with their areas before introducing a levy, and we’re listening to businesses to make sure money raised is invested effectively.”

Surrey is now just months away from “vesting day” – the moment from which West and East Surrey councils will formally take over management of all local government services in the county.

The shadow authorities’ consultation response also highlights the more broadly fraught financial situation facing local government in England.

“We request early engagement with government on a funding package that appropriately reflects the scale of the functions being transferred, together with certainty on Surrey’s future pathway towards mayoral devolution,” it reads. 

“A firm commitment on both funding and Surrey’s future pathway towards mayoral devolution would provide confidence that Surrey can establish the strong foundations required to realise the full benefits of devolution.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

Surrey’s Conservative shadow authority opposition leaders have thrown their weight behind a London mayoral candidate’s pledge to review the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Braintree MP Sir James Cleverly resigned from the Tory shadow cabinet at the end of August to stand for Mayor of London in 2028 – aiming to be the first Conservative to hold the office since Boris Johnson.

He told The Telegraph that he would conduct a full review of the London ULEZ if elected, vowing to end what he called Labour’s “war on motorists”.

The ULEZ requires drivers of high polluting vehicles to pay a daily fee of £12.50 to travel within its boundaries. It initially only covered London’s inner boroughs, but was expanded to include the outer London suburbs in summer 2023.

But this expansion was met with fierce opposition in Surrey and the other Home Counties, where many commuters regularly drive into London and are forced to pay ULEZ charges.

Following Sir James’ announcement, the Conservative opposition leaders on Surrey’s two shadow councils told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they fully support a review of the scheme.

West Surrey’s opposition leader Councillor Jane Austin (Conservative: Waverley Eastern Villages) said: “ULEZ does not stop at the London boundary in terms of its impact.

“Surrey residents travel into London every day for work, to run businesses, visit family and access services.” 

Advocates of the ULEZ argue the scheme is a vital programme to improve air quality in the capital, and have pointed to studies showing vast drops in pollution following its implementation.

However, critics argue it places punitive charges on owners of older cars, many of whom may not be able to afford greener alternatives. A scrappage scheme to replace older vehicles ran until September 2024, but this was only available to London residents.

Councillor Austin added: “At a time when households and businesses are already under considerable financial pressure, I think it is entirely reasonable to review the impact of the expanded scheme – including whether the claimed environmental benefits justify the financial burden being placed on residents and businesses outside London.”

Surrey County Council opposed the 2023 expansion of ULEZ, and refused to allow Transport for London to install signage and cameras in the county related to the scheme.

East Surrey opposition leader Councillor David Lewis (Conservative: Cobham & Oxshott South) told the LDRS: “Surrey County Council opposed the ULEZ expansion from the outset because of the lack of support and the impact it would have on Surrey residents. 

“We therefore welcome James Cleverly’s commitment to look again at the scheme and properly examine its economic and environmental consequences.”

Councillor Lewis also called on the West and East Surrey administrations, which will take responsibility for Surrey’s highways next April, not to implement “blanket anti-motorist policies” in the county. 

He said: “Whether it is blanket 20mph limits, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods or other restrictions, changes need to be evidence-led and take proper account of the needs of residents and local businesses.” 

East and West Surrey Shadow Authorities were contacted for comment. The Mayor of London’s office also did not respond to requests for comment.

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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Image: Sign for London ultra low emission zone (geograph 6183970) David Hawgood / Sign for London ultra low emission zone / CC BY-SA 2.0

Related reports

• ULEZ compliant taxis for Epsom and Ewell – 29 September 2023
• London Mayor confirms drive of ULEZ to Epsom border – ULEZ explainer – 28 July 2023
• ULEZ court challenge begins – 4 July 2023
• ULEZ driving old cars to Epsom market – 28 June 2023
• Challenge to ULEZ gaining grounds – 27 May 2023
• Many Surrey motorists will be paying the ULEZ charge – 25 April 2023
• ULEZ Court battle looming – 12 April 2023
• Surrey Council’s ULEZ talks ongoing with TfL – 22 March 2023
• Can you beat the ULEZ charge? – 8 March 2023
• Will Me’lud halt ULEZ expansion to Epsom borders? – 16 February 2023
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• ULEZ will come to Epsom and Ewell borders – 19 January 2023

Cyber security threats to local government remain a “significant strategic risk”, according to a report, with the creation of two new unitary councils posing “further complexity” to IT security.

Guildford Borough Council’s audit and risk committee will next week review an update to its corporate risk register, which outlines and grades operational challenges.

These risks range from financial stability to climate change – as well as the ongoing local government reorganisation that will see two new unitary councils created next spring.

But the report also highlighted the dangers of cyber security threats to councils across the country, which the document says are “increasingly vulnerable” to such attacks. 

These threats can take many different forms, including ransomware attacks, data breaches or Distributed Denial of Service (DDosS) incidents.

The report reads: “Cyber security remains a significant strategic risk given the increasing volume and sophistication of cyber threats facing local authorities, together with the potential operational, financial and reputational consequences of a successful attack.” 

It adds that the ongoing local government reorganisation, which will see Surrey County Council and the 11 district councils scrapped next year to make way for the new East and West Surrey Councils, makes the situation more complex.

“The ongoing transition associated with Local Government Reorganisation adds further complexity to the Council’s technology and information environment and reinforces the need for continued vigilance,” the report says.

The council will continue to invest in preventative measures to mitigate the likelihood and potential impact of cyber attacks, the document adds.

“The risk remains above appetite due to the external threat landscape and the potentially significant impact of a successful cyber attack,” it says. “Given the nature of the risk, the majority of threat activity remains outside the council’s direct control.”

A Guildford Borough Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We take our IT security and governance responsibilities very seriously. 

“As part of this commitment, we provide councillors with a high-level summary of the cyber security measures we have in place. We do not publicly share specific details about security controls.

“We’re currently working with IT professionals from across county, district, and borough councils to ensure our IT systems remain secure when we come together on 1 April 2027.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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Idealised image

Nearly one in three working-age Surrey residents is not adequately health literate, a council committee report has warned.

The report, which is due to be considered at a joint meeting of Surrey’s Health and Wellbeing Board and Integrated Care Partnership next week, states that low levels of understanding of health information are a “significant barrier” to improving healthcare outcomes in the county.

It defines health literacy as “a person’s ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use health information to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing”.

But the document noted around 30 per cent of adults aged 16 to 65 in Surrey fall below the threshold for health literacy, rising to 37 per cent in the worst-performing borough, Spelthorne.

The countywide number rises to 49 per cent in areas where numeracy is required.

“This means many adults in Surrey are reading at, or below, the level of an average nine-year-old,” the report reads, “This is a significant concern and highlights the need for continued focus and action to address health literacy across Surrey.”

People with poor health literacy will struggle to read or understand health-related information and know what action to take based on it, the document says.

“Low health literacy is also closely linked to educational disadvantage, deprivation, disability and poorer health outcomes,” it reads, “Improving the accessibility of health information and services is therefore an important lever for reducing health inequalities.”

People with bad health literacy are also more likely to go to hospital more and have depression, the report adds.

A health-literacy pilot programme called Clearer Care aims to combat this trend and help make health information and services clearer for Surrey residents.

It aims to achieve this through a mix of expert guidance and small grants to help Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations deliver their own health literacy pilots.

The report says: “This is a small-scale pilot programme aimed at introducing and embedding health literacy across Surrey. While limited funding and a VCSE-led delivery model may constrain its immediate impact on wider system change, the programme provides an important opportunity to test approaches, generate learning and demonstrate impact.

“Findings will help inform future development, potential scaling and opportunities to embed health literacy more systematically across the system.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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A doctor stock image (Credit: Pixabay

Surrey’s shadow authority leaders have insisted that devolution in the county must be “done right” after the government proposed beefed up new planning powers for mayors.

Proposals due to be published in the coming week would see mayors across England granted the authority to override councils on certain planning applications – giving them the same powers already held by the Mayor of London.

These “call in” powers would only apply to developments of more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or of buildings 30 metres or taller, the BBC has reported.

It comes amid widespread change to local government in Surrey, with two new unitary councils in East and West Surrey set to take over from the county council and 11 district councils next year.

But many figures in local government are calling for additional changes that would see the county get an overarching elected mayor covering the whole of Surrey.

East Surrey Shadow Authority leader Councillor Steve Wotton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he supports the creation of a mayor and welcomes the prospect of additional powers handed over from Westminster.

He said: “We have a national housing crisis, public transport leaves behind rural communities and is wholly centred around London, and there is great potential in the county’s own local economies. 

“More power out of Westminster and closer to Surrey, with a mayor, can help tackle these issues if done right.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who assumed office last month, has made regionalism one of his core missions in government.

Mr Burnham previously unveiled proposals to give regional mayors a share of income tax revenue as part of a broader devolution drive.

The upcoming planning changes could also see mayors given the power to grant “up front” development permission, although a government spokesperson said councils will still decide most planning applications.

Under current proposals, Surrey could see a foundation strategic authority (FSA) set up from April 2027, which would allow the two new unitary councils to pool resources on certain service areas.

An FSA serves as a stepping stone towards the creation of a mayoral combined authority, which would involve the creation of a directly elected mayor of Surrey.

Councillor Wotton added: “It will be important that a future mayor works very closely with the two new councils in Surrey. 

“We look forward to seeing further detail from government, so that we can help shape what is right for Surrey’s residents and businesses.”

West Surrey Shadow Authority leader Councillor Paul Follows told the LDRS he is “very keen” to see more powers devolved to the county, but that “those powers need to come with the funding to make them meaningful”. 

He added: “Local government at every level cannot absorb more un-funded mandates. 

“Mayors make sense in some parts of the UK but not all, and I hope that the government will be open to working with local government to develop the most appropriate plans for each area rather than a one-size-fits-all option.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

Related reports

• Surrey eyes a share of its own taxes under devolution plans
• Burnham ‘commitment’ to Surrey devolution
• Surrey Council leader thinks new PM will back a county mayor
• Epsom Council leader’s delayed response to additional local government layer initiative
• Cllr Dalton seeks another layer of local government
• Where do we stand on local government reorganisation in Epsom and Ewell and the county?
• Epsom and Ewell to go East in Surrey shake-up

Surrey’s youngest councillors want to see more young people get involved in local government – and not let growing hostility towards elected representatives deter them from standing.

Elections to Surrey’s two new unitary authorities in May saw several councillors under the age of 30 elected to the shadow council.

These new councils will formally assume all local government responsibilities from next April, at which point Surrey County Council and all 11 district councils will be abolished.

However, many younger councillors across the country face heightened online threats and abuse due to their age – with a 2024 Local Government Association (LGA) survey finding that seven in 10 councillors had received abuse or intimidation in the past 12 months.

The LGA’s findings added that younger councillors will often report heightened abuse “suggesting they were too inexperienced” due to their age.

But several of the new shadow councillors told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they are determined not to let this stand in the way of doing their jobs – or deter them from standing for office.

Councillor Harleen Boparai (Liberal Democrats: Staines South and Ashford West) said: “Yes, we are faced with online abuse but young people are more aware than any other generation. 

“We know how to ignore comments from bad faith actors and stay focused on getting things done for our communities.”

In a July meeting of the East Surrey Shadow Authority, councillors of all ages shared examples of the threats and intimidation they had received from residents and voters – which included threats of violence and inappropriate messages.

“This behaviour discourages good people from standing for public office,” Councillor Kirsty Hewens (Liberal Democrats: Walton South & Oatlands) told councillors at the meeting.

Despite the online abuse and intimidation faced by younger councillors, many of those elected have said they want to use their office to address the issues facing young people in Surrey.

Councillor Bradley Nelson (Liberal Democrats: Dorking) said “As councillors in our twenties, we also know how difficult it is to afford a home, get around without a car or find thriving town centres that offer opportunities for younger people. 

“Rather than complain about those challenges, we’ve chosen to try do something about it.”

He pointed to the startlingly high cost of housing in Surrey, which is among the highest in the country outside of London, as a key issue affecting younger people in the county. 

He added that balancing his council duties alongside his early career helps bring a useful perspective to the council.

Councillor Josh Lambert (Liberal Democrats: Walton North) added: “Being a councillor shouldn’t be restricted to those with surplus time or money. It’s vital that young working people are represented in local government.

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

This article has been amended to include statistics relating to the total number of patient restraint incidents across the trust in the relevant timeframes, and to clarify this number is what the trust’s quote (par 7) refers to.

The number of patient injuries at Surrey’s largest mental health trust have risen since the opening of its new inpatient facility last year.

Data obtained through a freedom of information (FOI) request to Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) found that the number of patient injuries across the county had more than quadrupled in the space of two years.

In the 2023/24 financial year, 92 service user injuries were reported across the trust, which shot up to 365 incidents in 2024/25 and 431 in 2025/26 – meaning more than one incident per day on average was reported in the most recent complete financial year.

A total of 141 incidents had been reported in the ongoing 2026/27 financial year at the time of the FOI response. 

In addition, the number of incidents in which patients were restrained also leapt to a five year high in the 2025/26 year. A total 1,287 incidents were recorded, up from 826 the previous year.

An SABP spokesperson stressed that not all patient injuries reported were related to restraint incidents. “The use of restrictive practice is a very complex area and reducing restrictive practices is a trust priority,” they said.

The spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the sharp rise in reported restraint incidents was “due to the opening of Silverwood’s inpatient services last year”.

Silverwood, located in Chertsey, began admitting patients in February 2025 and was designed to help Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s work to care for acutely mentally ill people.

The facility boasts 64 ensuite bedrooms across four wards, and was established to replace the old Abraham Cowley Unit (ACU).

However, the trust’s FOI response did not declare the number of staff injuries in this same time period, as it would have exceeded the cost limit on requests as each record would have to be reviewed manually.

The FOI response also revealed major changes in the trust’s use of restraint against acutely ill patients, with the reported number of “prone” restraints – where a patient is forced face down on the ground – dropping to zero in compliance with recent laws.

The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 was brought in to improve transparency in the use of such force in restraining patients, and contains guidance against the use of prone restraints.

Better known as Seni’s Law, it was implemented following the death of Olaseni “Seni” Lewis, who died in 2010 after being restrained at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Bromley.

While 20 prone restraint incidents were reported at the trust in the 2021/22 financial year, that number dropped into single figures for the following few years before reaching zero in 2025/26.

At the same time, the reported use of chemical restraints has risen substantially, with this jumping from 11 in 2022/23 to 830 in 2025/26 – and a further 333 in 2026/27 so far.

The SABP spokesperson added: “We record all cases when restrictive interventions are used in line with Seni’s Law, officially the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act –  which was fully introduced in 2022.  

“It is also important to note that the number of recorded injuries may be caused by many reasons, the majority of which are not related to restraints.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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Sabp Silverwood (Credit: Google Maps)

The Green Party has won a crucial by-election in Reigate and Banstead that could impact the balance of power on the council.

Nick Abear, who also serves on East Surrey Shadow Council, won the ward of Hooley, Merstham and Netherne following yesterday’s election.

This by-election was called following the death of Councillor Mus Tary, who sadly passed away in June.

Councillor Abear told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to have been elected in the Merstham, Hooley and Netherne by-election. 

“Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me, and to the many volunteers who gave up their time to help us. 

“I look forward to building on the excellent work that Shasha Khan and Joel Gabriel have been doing in the ward, and to working hard for all our residents over the coming months.” 

The result represents a Green gain from the Conservative Party at a time when the Tories have held a slender balance of power in Reigate and Banstead. 

The Greens will now have a total of 15 seats on the council against the Conservatives 16, while the Green and Redhill Independent group combined matches the Tories’ total.

In 2022, the full council election saw the Conservatives lose five seats, with the council remaining under no overall control.

However, this council will cease to exist in April, when the current district councils are abolished along with Surrey County Council to make way for the new West and East Surrey Councils.

Fellow Green ward councillor Shasha Khan told the LDRS: “I’m thrilled for Nick to be joining Joel and me to serve everyone in our ward. 

“In 2023, I got 37.4 per cent. In 2024 Joel got 38.4 per cent, and in 2026 Nick has won with 41.8 per cent. 

“This shows that where Greens get elected, they work hard for the community, resulting in voters wanting more.”

The full results are as follows:

• Nick Abear (Green Party) 42%
• Johnny Wolf (Reform UK) 24%
• Jon Mears (Conservative) 20%
• Tina Siobhan Cohen (Liberal Democrats) 7%
• Catherine Mary Drapans (Labour) 6%

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

Nick With Partner And Green Councillors (Credit: Joel Gabriel)

An east Surrey farm is seeking permission to build a new irrigation pond, as climate change has made water supply a “major operational risk”.

Reid Manor Farm Limited has put forward a prior notification application to Tandridge District Council for excavation works to install the pond in a field to the west of Lingfield.

The applicant noted that “mixed farming activities” are currently undertaken in the area, with hay production being the largest operation.

“There are a number of other farming activities the business is currently exploring and in the process of setting up to support the farming business,” the planning documents say.

Blackberry harvesting and jam making are expected to be included among these activities, the applicant states.

But they added that the proposals for a new irrigation pond represent a “critical business asset” in the cultivation of aquatic plants.

“While south east England is historically the driest part of the UK, climate change has worsened summer droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, making reliable water access a major operational risk,” the documents say.

They add: “A farm irrigation pond allows a farm to capture and store abundant winter rainfall, securing an independent, year-round water supply that protects the crop from summer water restrictions and heat stress.”

The applicant also pointed to a government statement published in its ‘Farming Roadmap 2050’, which states: “The scientific consensus is clear that the UK should expect wilder, stormier weather with significantly increased flooding as well as summer droughts. 

“With 70 per cent of our land currently used for agricultural purposes, it will become increasingly important to hold more water on farmlands to help reduce the impact of flooding downriver and support farmers during drought periods.”

Access to the farm via Brickhouse Lane would not be changed as a result of this development, the documents claim.

They add: “The site currently has no mains water connection, and no water bore holes exist on site meaning the only current water source option is harvesting rainwater.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

Image: Wheat stock image (Credit: Pixabay)

A petition has been launched calling for a statue celebrating Ali G to be installed in Staines – tying in with the release of his new film.

The petitioners want Spelthorne Borough Council to explore a “temporary” Ali G attraction in the town linked to the upcoming release of ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’, while also looking at options to fund a permanent landmark.

Nearly 15 years have now passed since Staines voted to change its name to Staines-upon-Thames – partially in response to negative associations with the character.

But the new petition wants the town to “embrace the attention with humour and pride” – and even asks the council to reach out to actor Sacha Baron Cohen himself to get involved.

It reads: “Ali G and the Staines Massiv have given Staines a distinctive place in British popular culture. 

“The release of a new film provides an opportunity to celebrate that connection, promote the town centre and create a lasting community benefit.”

While the petitioners want the council to invest in a permanent statue or landmark to celebrate Ali G, it adds that this should only happen “if external funding is secured for its design, installation and maintenance”.

The petitioners explicitly state they do not want a statue to be bought and upkept using council tax receipts, and want the project to “include a secure donation facility supporting affordable sport, arts, leisure and community activities for children and young people in Staines”.

They add: “We believe Staines should embrace the attention with humour and pride, while using it to support the next generation of the Staines Massiv.”

Just ten people have signed the petition at time of writing, which will run on Spelthorne Borough Council’s website until August 24.

Played by Sacha Baron Cohen, Ali G rocketed to global notoriety following the release of ‘Ali G Indahouse’ in 2002.

While the film was broadly well received with critics and audiences, many people felt the spoof character left viewers with an undeservedly bad impression of Staines.

Staines’ name was officially changed to Staines-upon-Thames in 2012, in a move that was widely seen as being a reaction to Ali G’s depiction of the town.

However, then Spelthorne Borough Councillor Colin Davis told the BBC at the time: “Ali G may have had a role, but I think it goes back further than that.

“I regard Ali G as someone who put Staines on the map, we’re just telling people where it is.”

The character’s new film ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ is due to be released on October 23, 2026.

Chris Caulfield Local Democracy Reporter

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Photo: Ali G Indahouse (Universal Pictures)

East Surrey councillors shared their experience of facing intimidation and harassment from voters as they debated a motion calling for civility in political discourse.

At a meeting of the full shadow authority, several members recalled facing extreme vitriol from members of the public and implored councillors and voters to engage respectfully.

It came as councillors debated a motion supporting the Local Government Association’s (LGA) ‘Debate Not Hate’ campaign, which aims to tackle growing abuse against local politicians.

Introducing the motion, Councillor Kirsty Hewens (Liberal Democrats: Walton South & Oatlands) said: “This motion is not about stifling or sanitising debate. We all know there is a fundamental difference between robust political disagreement and personal abuse.

“What matters is how we conduct those debates.”

She added: “As councillors, we expect to be challenged. And we should be. Residents have every right to question our decisions, disagree with us and hold us to account.”

However, she said there is a line between this and growing volumes of abuse directed towards councillors and officers from the public.

“This behaviour discourages good people from standing for public office,” Councillor Hewens said.

Other shadow authority councillors shared their own first hand accounts of receiving intimidation and harassment from voters.

Councillor Shelly Newton (Conservative: Tadworth, Walton & Kingswood) told councillors the authority’s Conservative group would support the motion, saying: “Politics is about ideas. We should challenge each other’s policies, question decisions, and hold one another to account.

“That’s what our residents expect us to do. That’s why they elected us. But there is a clear line between challenging someone’s views and attacking the person behind them.”

She added that in her two years as a councillor, she had received inappropriate messages and experienced harassment that resulted in police involvement.

“While canvassing I was grabbed, pulled into a resident’s home, and had my way blocked out by the resident who then shouted at me about national politics,” she added.

An LGA survey found that seven in 10 councillors across the country have reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the past year.

The East Surrey motion threw the shadow council’s support behind the LGA’s campaign and called for the authority to commit to “fostering a culture where political debate is encouraged, but personal abuse, intimidation, discrimination and harassment are never tolerated”.

Councillor Andrew Matthews (Liberal Democrats: Bookham & Fetcham West) added: “As I’m sure many of us have experienced, we’ve had threats of violence. I’ve been threatened with being punched in the face. I’ve had people stalk me. I’m not alone.”

Seconding the motion, Councillor Elly Heaton (Green Party: Redhill West & Meadvale) thanked the councillors for sharing their stories, calling them a “disappointingly relatable experience”.

The LGA’s campaign also noted that more than half of councillors have reported being victims of misinformation.

The organisation’s website says: “The increasing level of abuse and intimidation aimed at local politicians is preventing elected members from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election and undermining local democracy.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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Image: Councillors debate the motion (Credit: East Surrey Shadow Authority)

East Surrey’s shadow council leader has welcomed Andy Burnham’s “strong commitment” to devolution as Surrey continues to take steps that could see the county get its own elected mayor.

Speaking at a meeting of the full shadow council, Councillor Steve Wotton (Liberal Democrats: Horley West, Salfords & Sidlow) congratulated the new Prime Minister and wished him “every success”.

“I plan to write to him in due course to set out our plans for East Surrey Council, and update him on the progress we’re making,” he added.

Councillor Wotton told councillors the government has confirmed its intention to bring forward a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) for Surrey from April 2027 – pending local consultations and ministerial approval.

This would mean that the new West Surrey and East Surrey councils could pool resources and work together on certain key strategic issues, such as transport and economic development.

“We continue to see a strong commitment from government for the devolution agenda,” Councillor Wotton said.

“Following the recent appointment of Andy Burnham as prime minister, the government has reiterated its ambition to transfer more power and responsibilities and funding away from Whitehall and into local areas.”

An FSA would also serve as a stepping stone towards the potential creation of a mayoral authority – which would create a directly elected mayor for all of Surrey.

Councillor Wotton said an FSA would give Surrey a “clear route” into that next phase of devolution, adding that failure to embrace it would “risk leaving Surrey outside the main direction of travel”.

East Surrey and West Surrey shadow authorities are currently tasked with setting up their respective councils ahead of assuming full responsibility of local government services in April 2027.

At that point, Surrey County Council and the county’s 11 district councils will all be abolished. Elections to the shadow authorities took place in May 2026.

Councillor David Lewis (Conservative: Cobham & Oxshott South) welcomed the move towards an FSA and said the shadow authority’s Conservative group supports its foundation.

“We believe that the additional devolved powers and funding that would come with a mayoral strategic authority would be beneficial for the residents of Surrey,” he said.

“Directly elected mayors have brought an additional focus to their areas, which has resulted in higher levels of economic growth.”

Councillor Jonathan Essex (Green Party: Redhill East & North Earlswood) said the authority’s Green group supported the FSA creation “in principle”, but questioned why mayoral devolution had not been fast-tracked to Surrey.

“We were told by Surrey County Council in very early 2025 we would be fast-tracked to be new unitaries in Surrey on the basis this would enable a mayoral authority to be created,” he said.

Addressing these concerns, Councillor Wotton said he is “more confident now” of the government’s commitment to Surrey’s devolution under Andy Burnham’s premiership.

“But fundamentally this is about moving us forward on a journey towards devolution”, he added. “It does not guarantee a mayor, but it the first step necessary to achieve a mayor.”

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

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Image: Councillor Steve Wotton