Bigger isn't necessarily best. This much was made clear by the Government's decision on Surrey councils' reorganisation. The Local government minister Alison McGovern said the approval of a two-unitary model, rather than the three councils favoured by most Surrey districts, was purely in response to local factors. Some Surrey councils of course face uniquely high levels of debt.
The decision was disappointing to many in Surrey. A Government consultation showed an overwhelming proportion of residents and businesses who responded favoured three councils: they want to keep local government close to communities. The onus is now on everyone involved to make reorganisation work – and to ensure the new system successfully represents each Surrey community.
