Debts may force county into forming single mega council

GOVERNMENT PROVIDED FEEDBACK ON FUTURE SYSTEM FOR SURREY

- By CHRIS CAULFIELD Local democracy reporter

BILLIONS of pounds in crushing debt could force Surrey and its boroughs to become a single mega council - potentially merged with a neighbour - following Government feedback on its devolution and reorganisation plans.

Two draft plans were submitted in March over how to dissolve local government in the county and create a new streamlined system.

The county council favoured splitting Surrey into two new unitary authorities, along with Elmbridge which is worried about being ‘punished’ if it is grouped with debt-ridden neighbours, while the majority of the districts favoured splitting the county into three.

Both would have an overarching and directly elected mayor. Final proposals must be submitted by next Friday (May 9).

However, those plans could all be for nothing if they are unable to demonstrate how to deal with the more than £5billion of debt owed - and in particular £2.6bn from bankrupt Woking Borough Council and £1bn at Spelthorne where Government commissioners have recently been appointed to take over.