Public asked to help define new council identities

Residents have been asked to share their views on the identity of their areas ahead of the creation of the Surrey's two new local authorities.

Future Surrey has launched the survey which aims to shape the brand identity of East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

These new councils are due to take over all local government services from April 2027, replacing the current county council and Surrey's 11 district councils.

The Future Surrey website says the new authorities are legally required to have their own identities and council branding to help residents recognise official services.

Elections in May saw the Liberal Democrats gain majority control of both new councils.

It is now their responsibility to guide the transition process as the existing councils wind down operations ahead of the merger in April.

Steve Wotton, leader of East Surrey Council, said they would focus on "community priorities, opportunity and timely support for residents".

He said they wanted to create an East Surrey Council where people were "proud of the place they live, work and visit", and communities could help shape the future of the area.

"The decisions and foundations we are developing now will help ensure East Surrey Council is ready to deliver for residents from day one in April 2027," he says.

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