RUNNYMEDE TO JOIN WEST SURREY COUNCIL

The Government have confirmed that Runnymede will no longer exist as a council from April 2027 and will become part of the West Surrey Unitary Council. This means we will effectively merge with what is currently Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Woking, Guildford and Waverley.

There will be 2 councillors per division (which will be known as wards) - resulting in some areas going from nine or ten councillors to just two. 

Elections of the new councillors will be held in May 2026 who will then help to form the new ‘Shadow’ Unitary Council. This ‘Shadow’ authority will be responsible for shaping the new authority, identifying what offices it will operate out of and recruiting the senior staff to the new organisation.

The existing Runnymede Borough and Surrey County Council operations and councillors will continue until vesting day on 1 April 2027. The finer details of the new council will become known progressively between May 2026 and March 2027 and we will endeavor to keep you informed as much as possible.