Opposition Surrey CC members have argued a plan for two new unitary authorities in the county was based on ‘inconsistent, incomplete and flawed data'.
Conservative-led Surrey CC has submitted a proposal for two unitary councils but the Lib Dems, Labour, Greens and residents' association and independents group insisted the ‘only answer' was a three unitary model backed by nine out of the county's 11 districts.
Surrey CC leader Tim Oliver said: ‘I'm afraid they've just got themselves confused. The recommended geography for a two unitary split of Surrey is based on evidence, with a huge number of factors taken into account. It is also important to note local support and feedback from partner agencies – including other councils – in the final proposal.'
The Conservative leader of Surrey borough Reigate & Banstead, Richard Biggs, has risked relations with his party colleague Cllr Oliver by proposing a new unitary with West Sussex's Crawley BC – home to Gatwick Airport.
Crawley and Reigate & Banstead's case is focused on bringing together the two authorities, but also mentions potential link ups with Tandridge, Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell.
Surrey CC's opposition leaders claimed there were ‘strong concerns about the lack of political support' or public engagement for the Reigate & Banstead and Crawley plan, with Tandridge DC and Epsom & Ewell both strongly opposing being part of any unitary including Crawley.
Tandridge leader Catherine Sayer said her authority had ‘little in common with Crawley' and there would be ‘considerable drawbacks for our district joining any unitary with them'.
The county and districts have all asked the Government to write off the current estimated debt of £1.5bn but this remains a point of contention.
Cllr Oliver said talks had started with the Treasury, adding: ‘The Government will have to step in and they will have to write it off.'
A senior Surrey source said: ‘We're playing poker and we're not folding.
‘Relationships are challenging. All eyes are on Surrey. The Government needs this to work and there's a lot of pressure on the Government.'
Another senior Surrey source added: ‘The ball is back in the Government's court. Debt remains a massive issue. Woking BC's debt needs to be written off as no unitary will survive and be financially resilient any other way.'
