Section 24 direction letter to Surrey councils' chief executives (accessible version)
Published 7 July 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-section-24-direction-letter-to-surrey-councils-relating-to-financial-transactions/section-24-direction-letter-to-surrey-councils-chief-executives-accessible-version
Ruth Miller
Co-Deputy Director, Local Government Reorganisation
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Chief Executives of Surrey Councils
Sent by email
7 July 2026
Dear Chief Executives,
I wrote on 9 April to inform you that the Secretary of State was minded to issue a direction under section 24 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 to Surrey councils.
This would ensure appropriate safeguards are in place during the transition to the new unitary councils and that significant financial commitments made during the transition period are subject to appropriate oversight.
I also set out that we were bringing forward secondary legislation to amend the aggregation date used when calculating whether financial thresholds for the section 24 direction were exceeded, and that I expected to issue the Direction once that instrument came into force.
I can confirm that the Order amending the aggregation date came into force today and I therefore enclose a copy of the section 24 Direction in its final form, accompanied by the explanatory note.
We look forward to continuing to work with you all to ensure the establishment of a successful East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.
Yours sincerely,
Ruth Miller
Co-Deputy Director, Local Government Reorganisation