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Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us at an online or in-person event where you find out more about Local Government Organisation, ask questions and find out how to have your say. 

Help shape future representation for ten Guildford wards

View of Guildford

We're consulting on a Community Governance Review (CGR) for the unparished urban area of Guildford Town.  

The CGR explores how best to represent the local interests of communities across ten wards in Guildford Town.  

The wards affected by this review are:

  • Bellfields & Slyfield
  • Burpham
  • Castle 
  • Merrow
  • Onslow
  • St Nicolas 
  • Stoke
  • Stoughton North 
  • Stoughton South 
  • Westborough 

This is the only area in the borough without formal community governance arrangements already in place.  

Options under review 

The consultation sets out three options for future community empowerment or community governance: 

  • No change option: await the creation of a new Unitary Authority 
  • Community empowerment option: set up a Neighbourhood Area Committee (NAC) 
  • Community governance option: Create one or more new parish councils 

Respondents can also submit their own proposals with: 

  • the reasons for an alternative option 
  • its benefits 
  • the specific area any new arrangements would apply 

The first phase of consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 28 September 2025.  

Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane said: 

"It's important that we understand what kind of community empowerment or governance our residents want. This review is a chance to shape the future of Guildford Town's representation and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities. 

"Every household in the affected wards will receive a letter from us explaining what we're consulting on and how to submit their views. I encourage residents living and working in Guildford Town to have their say." 

What happens next? 

Feedback from the initial consultation will help shape the draft recommendations. These will be presented to Full Council on Tuesday 9 December 2025.  

A second consultation phase on the draft recommendations could potentially take place in 2026. 

More information about the community governance options  

Published 5 August 2025.

Previous release about the Community Governance Review

18 July 2025: Executive recommends a Community Governance Review for Guildford Town