Devolution 'could drown out residents' views'
Adrian Harms / BBCA council leader says she does not want residents' views to be drowned out by "mega councils" created by local government reorganisation.
Tandridge District Council leader Catherine Sayer shared her concerns about the "incredibly tight" timetable to submit devolution proposals after Wednesday's government announcement.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said elections in Surrey would be postponed until 2026 as part of devolution plans in the county.
Other Surrey politicians have also shared their concerns about the plans while another said they would give the county a "strong national voice on a national level".
Ms Sayer said: "I wouldn't want to see the close community connections and accountable local councillors that we have here in Tandridge watered down by creating mega councils where the views and the hopes of local people are drowned out.
"I am concerned that it's rushed and we have to get this right."
'Strong voice'
Ms Sayer also reiterated concerns about councils absorbing debt from other local authorities such as Woking Borough Council.
Local elections in Surrey will be moved to 2026 but the county will not be included in mayoral elections planned for next year.
Al Pinkerton, Liberal Democrat MP for Surrey Heath, argued in Parliament that Surrey residents "face the prospect of not having the advantages of being on the priority programme but also all the disadvantages of losing their elections".
But Tim Oliver, Conservative Surrey County Council leader, shared his support for the plans, adding they would aid efficiency and "give us a strong voice on a national level".
Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said: "The reorganisation is about recognising the challenges that Surrey faces, working with local leaders to deliver services to local areas and then we can look at later date if we're able to take (devolution) forward, but we do recognise the unique situation Surrey faces."
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