'Devolution process should not penalise borough residents'

THE leader of one Surrey borough council has said the devolution process should not “penalise his residents for the decision making of others”.

- By EMILY DALTON

He fears current proposals could see residents in Elmbridge burdened with the crippling debts of others.

Some district and council leaders in Surrey have agreed on a potential map for a new-look council system with three unitary authorities for Surrey - but the leader of Elmbridge Borough Council thinks two may be better for his area.

Central government is hoping to streamline council services by dissolving the current two-tier council system. It means Surrey's county council and all its 11 districts and boroughs would be replaced with a new system.

No decision has been made but the county's councils must submit a firm proposal to Government by May 9.

Under the new map, agreed by some district and borough leaders, the groupings suggest merging Elmbridge with Runnymede and Spelthorne - two councils tackling significant amounts of debt.

Councillors in Surrey have repeatedly written to the Government, urging it to write off the historical financial woes of Woking and Spelthorne, as well as rescuing Runnymede, before any mergers are made.