In December 2024, the government invited proposals for a reorganisation of the way council services are delivered in Surrey.
In Farnham, we currently have:
- Surrey County Council responsible for providing services such as education, social care and highways, and
- Waverley Borough Council responsible for collecting your rubbish and recycling, determining planning applications, managing some parks and environmental health.
The proposals which are being considered would see Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and the other the ten borough and district councils in Surrey being dissolved to make way for 2-3 new councils known as unitary authorities.
The new unitary authorities would provide the same services as the county and the borough combined. Ultimately, it is intended that this will lead to financial savings and better services for residents.
The town and parish councils in Surrey are not included in the reorganisation but some areas hope that new parish councils will be created to optimise local accountability and engagement.
What’s in it for Farnham?
Here at Farnham, we went local government reorganisation to result in the best possible outcome for the people of Farnham. This means ensuring we do not lose the assets which we treasure and that give the town its identity and the services which meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.
Rather than seeing assets potentially sold off and lost to the community, local government reorganisation provides opportunities for Farnham Town Council to take back green spaces which were donated to the town in the past or that are important to the town and future generations.
Farnham Town Council had already agreed a programme of priorities for transfer in its business plan 2024-28 and this will now be revisited to include both assets and services of the borough and county council which will be discussed before and after reorganisation.
The past few years have seen Farnham Town Council take on the ownership and management of Farnham Town Hall, Gostrey Meadow, Evelyn Borelli Gardens, Halifax Garden, Rowledge and Farnham Riverside from Waverley Borough Council. The Town Council also contributed towards the cost of purchasing Tice’s Meadow for the community. Under our care, we have improved the spaces which has been recognised by the winning of national awards.
Have your say
We believe some things are best run locally but what do you think? Which of the following assets are important to you? You may be surprised that some of these spaces and buildings are not already owned and managed by Farnham Town Council. Some used to be owned by Farnham Urban District Council before transferring to Waverley District Council in 1974.
- Recreation grounds eg Hale, Weybourne, Langhams, The Bourne, Morley Road, Thurbans and Wrecclesham
- Badshot Lea Pond and Orchard
- Montrose House
- Museum of Farnham
- Memorial Hall
- Farnham Library and Gardens
- Farnham Adult Education Institute
- Street cleaning
Complete the survey
Please complete our survey and tell us which assets should be included on a list for a discussion with Waverley / Surrey about potential transfer to Farnham Town Council.
Timetable for local government reorganisation
- County and borough councils to present options – March 2025
- Final options – May 2025
- Government response – early autumn 2025
- Final decision – January2026
- New shadow authorities formed – May 2026
Farnham Town Council has the capacity and ambition to take on more services for the local community. Although the timetable for discussion about asset transfers is not yet known, Farnham Town Council wants to ensure it is prepared and understands the views of the community as well as the cost implications of any transfers.
This is the first chance for you to give feedback about the principle of opening discussions with Waverley/Surrey about keeping control of local assets at a local level. It may not be possible, or when the full facts are known, you may feel the cost is too high. We will consult with you at every stage.
