Understand
Government rejects request to change new West Surrey council name to include South Middlesex
Overview
The government has declined to amend parliamentary legislation to rename the new West Surrey unitary authority to West Surrey and South Middlesex Council. Local Government Minister Jim McMahon stated that changing the legislation was not appropriate, though the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government suggested the council could explore legal options or branding alternatives to include Middlesex if it chooses.
Key points
- The government has refused to amend parliamentary legislation to change the new council's name to West Surrey and South Middlesex Council.
- Local Government Minister Jim McMahon stated that altering the agreed legislation was not an appropriate route for the name change.
- The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government suggested the council may have the power to change its name under the Local Government Act 1972 or use alternative branding.
- Council leader Paul Follows described the decision as a disappointing response and confirmed the authority is exploring its legal options.
- The proposed name change was intended to recognise the historic identity of Spelthorne, which was part of Middlesex until 1965.
- West Surrey is scheduled to formally start operating as a new unitary authority on 1 April 2027.