This survey is now closed. The full report — including methodology, demographic breakdowns, and qualitative analysis — will be published shortly.
In February 2026, the LGR Initiative surveyed 1,047 residents across Surrey — the most advanced Devolution Priority Programme area — to assess public awareness, understanding, and attitudes towards the planned reorganisation. Surrey is the only area where the Secretary of State's decision had already been confirmed at the time of fieldwork. These headline findings are published ahead of the full report.
Awareness and Understanding
The most striking finding is the scale of public unawareness — in an area where the reorganisation decision has already been made and implementation is underway.
64%
Unaware of changes
of residents did not know that changes to their local council were planned
71%
Not contacted
had not been contacted about reorganisation by any channel
82%
Want more information
said they wanted more information about what is happening
The Engagement Paradox
Turnout intent is high — but understanding of what residents are voting for is not. The gap between democratic willingness and institutional understanding is the defining challenge for the new authorities.
89.8%
Intend to vote
of respondents say they plan to vote in the May 2026 elections
44.2%
Know what they're voting for
say they know exactly what elections are happening on 7 May
Trust and Confidence
Confidence in the new structure is exceptionally low. These respondents are disproportionately politically aware — self-selecting, engaged, and paying attention. If trust is this low among them, the picture across the broader electorate is considerably harder.
7.3%
Trust the new structure
express any level of trust in the proposed new councils
56.6%
Actively distrust
actively distrust the new council structure to represent their community
54%
Expect quality of life to worsen
believe reorganisation will worsen quality of life in their community
Resident Priorities
Residents have clear views on what reorganisation should deliver — and how decisions about their area should be made.
58%
Want greater devolution
want greater powers devolved to local government
55%
Want referendums
say residents should have the final say via referendum on major local decisions
81%
Better services as top priority
selected better local services as the top priority for reorganisation
65%
Electoral reform needed
believe the electoral system needs some form of reform
What Residents Said
508 respondents provided written reform suggestions. Three themes dominated the open-text responses:
Woking's financial position
Neighbouring districts and boroughs expressed strong resistance to absorbing Woking's debt burden under the new unitary structure.
Decisions imposed on residents
A recurring sense that reorganisation is being done to communities rather than with them — that the pace and process has not allowed meaningful public input.
Erosion of democratic accountability
Concerns about fewer elected representatives covering larger areas, and the practical implications for the councillor–resident relationship.
About This Survey
The survey was designed and analysed by the LGR Initiative research team in partnership with the University of Surrey's Centre for Britain and Europe. The sample was drawn to be representative of the Surrey adult population across age, gender, tenure, ethnicity, political identification, and geography.
Full methodology, survey instrument, and data tables will be published with the complete report. The survey was conducted independently and was not commissioned by or shared with any local authority, government department, or political organisation prior to publication.