What's next for Guildford after it goes unitary?

Guildford Borough Council is currently running a consultation asking people living in the unparished areas of Guildford Borough (see list below) how they would like local issues to be managed once Surrey is divided into two or three unitary councils in May 2026. There are three options in the consultation, and I have a strong, considered view which I have submitted to the consultation and am sharing with you below. I hope that you will find it helpful and interesting.

The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 28th September - make sure that you have your say. 

It is worth saying that if you are in favour of a parish/town council option but are not sure whether you favour one or more then please endorse option three. Doing so will indicate to the council that residents want to explore this further. Without this endorsement they cannot go ahead with exploring the options around parish councils.

The areas/wards in Guildford that are impacted by this consultation are: Bellfields & Slyfield, Burpham, Castle, Merrow, Onslow, St Nicolas, Stoke, Stoughton North, Stoughton South and Westborough.

My Submission to Guildford Borough Council's Consultation

I am writing in my capacity as MP for Guildford constituency to endorse option three of the Community Governance Review to create a new parish council/s for the currently unparished area of Guildford.

In my view, taking such a step is crucial to ensure that residents across the currently unparished area do not lose their democratic voice. 

Having a two-tier system, where some areas have a parish council and others do not, is unfair and undemocratic, and will place the unparished areas at a disadvantage.  Specifically, without a parish/town council for the currently unparished area, there is, in my view, a risk that residents in this area will lose out on services and funding, as there will not be a dedicated local parish to oversee hyperlocal services, unlike in areas that already have a parish council.

I am personally in favour of the creation of a single parish council for Guildford (rather than multiple parish councils) as it will:

• Provide residents with a single, clear voice on Guildford-specific issues, potentially including hanging baskets across the area it covers, youth services, playgrounds and more.
• In contrast to other approaches, funding and powers for parish councils are clearly defined in law, giving residents more transparency, certainty and control.
• Provide a stronger say in the community services they want, and how to pay for them.
• Help to protect community assets from potentially being sold off to provide money for the new unitary, which we all know will start with significant financial challenges. 

There are established models across the country where a single parish/town council has been created very successfully, and I would hope that the council would approach them for insight on this. Examples include Northampton Town Council and Aylesbury Town Council. We also have the closer-to-home example of Godalming Town Council, which has highlighted the power of a larger town council to make a real difference on issues, for example, a new youth club that has contributed to a reduction in antisocial behaviour in the town.