What does the Government’s announcement on local elections mean for Surrey? Elections for the new East and West Surrey councils are still going ahead on 7 May as planned. 🗳️ Find out more here: orlo.uk/iq78S

Climate Emergency UK has released a report showing how councils take climate action. Our government-funded scheme, Warm Homes Local Grant has been recognised as we help residents retrofit their homes and be more energy efficient. If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient you could be eligible to receive a free grant. Find out more orlo.uk/rH97H Read the full report in the comments

You might have seen the government’s decision to create two new councils for Surrey – but what does that actually mean for residents? In our latest video, we explain what’s changing and how services will be delivered in future. From April 2027, Surrey will move from one county council and 11 district and borough councils, to two new unitary councils: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. This change is about making things simpler and more joined-up. Residents will only need to contact one council to access the services they need, helping to reduce delays and improve the experience of getting support. Bringing services like housing, planning, children’s and adult social care together will help councils better reflect local needs – whether that’s for people with disabilities, young people leaving care, or families looking for support. Government says that the new structure will also reduce duplication, have clearer accountability and deliver better value for money. The councils will be better placed to make decisions that meet local priorities and provide more preventative support. Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026, with the full transition happening in April 2027. In the meantime, your local councils are still here, and services will continue as normal. We’ll continue to share updates on our website, social media and through the Surrey Matters newsletter. orlo.uk/rFg8D If you have questions you'd like us to answer in future videos, please let us know in the comments.

Since the government announced its decision on local government reorganisation on Tuesday, we know many people have questions about what this means for them, their communities, and the services they rely on. We’re working hard to get those questions answered – and we’ll update the website and these social channels as more information becomes available: orlo.uk/ddH1X One thing we can be certain of is that services are continuing as normal. Your local council is still here for you. Services are still being delivered. Support is still available. And we remain committed to being there for those who need us most. Our focus remains on making sure residents, businesses and communities continue to get the help and services they need – without disruption. If you do have an unanswered question about local government reorganisation, please email us at: [email protected]

Funded early education & childcare has expanded. Eligible working parents of a child aged 9 months or above can receive up to 30 hours of funded early education and childcare over 38 weeks of the year. Learn more and find out if you’re eligible: orlo.uk/4MSWP If you're a foster parent and you are currently in paid work outside of your role as a foster parent, you could also be eligible for funded early education for your foster child. Learn more in the link above ⬆️

Community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help restore habitats and enhance green spaces. Find out more orlo.uk/SuvJJ

We’re working hard and improving SEND services across the county. This academic year, nearly 500 new specialist school places are being created, with 169 already built and 298 more on the way by summer 2026. These places are part of our long-term commitment to build inclusive, high-quality education closer to home. Since 2021, we’ve delivered over 250 new places per year, using more than £211 million in capital investment. We know there’s more to do and we’re committed to doing it. Read more in our press release: orlo.uk/XMkMz