Should Surrey becomes a Strategic Authority on its own?

Creation of Strategic Authorities across England lies at the core of the Government's Devolution White Paper which is driving the local government reorganisation. These Authorities will be responsible for higher-level planning in areas such as Transport and Economic Development. 

The Government believes that these can be a major driver of economic growth and intends to introduce elected mayors and devolve powers from Westminster.

The Government's guideline is that it expects each Strategic Authority to represent at least 1.5 million people. Surrey's population is about 1.2 million.

The Working Group is looking at the arguments whether Surrey should form a Strategic Authority on its own or whether it should look to form part of a wider Authority collaborating with one or more neighbouring areas.