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Nicola’s Blog – An update on the health and social care landscape for Surrey

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Major changes ahead for social care providers in Surrey

Surrey’s public services are undergoing their biggest reorganisation in decades. Here’s what’s happening — and what it means for social care providers.  Read my latest blog updating you on the recent changes and key dates you need to be aware of.

Key Dates & Structural Changes

October 2025:

  • Government confirms Surrey will become two unitary authorities — replacing the single county and district/borough councils.  They have also confirmed they will provider for the current debt in the Woking borough.

    • East Surrey Unitary: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge.

    • West Surrey Unitary: Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Woking.

May 2026:

  • Elections for new councils and start of “shadow” operations.  After this election the next Surrey elections won’t take place until 2031.

  • The County Council must be in a position to ensure a safe and legal transfer of all services, including commissioned services, to the two new unitaries.

April 2027:

  • Full handover to new unitaries. Surrey County Council and district/borough councils will cease to exist.

  • Adult social care and commissioning move to the two new authorities.

October 2025:

  • NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex begin operating under a shared Chair and Chief Executive.

April 2026:

  • Formal merger to create NHS Surrey & Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) — serving more than 3 million residents.

  • A single strategy for health and care integration will follow.

 What this means for providers of social care

  • New commissioning relationships: By 2027, you may be contracting with a different council and a merged ICB.

  • Contract reviews likely: Expect re-procurements or revised terms as the new structures bed-in.

  • Integration opportunities: The larger ICB footprint could simplify cross-county working and standardise pathways for those of you who also deliver services in Sussex.

  • Engagement now is vital: Shadow authorities and the ICB transition teams will shape future priorities — make sure your voice is heard through the Surrey Care Association.

Provider To-Do List

  • Map your area: Know which unitary your services will fall under (East or West).

  • Check existing contract timelines: Prepare for re-tendering between 2026–27.

  • Engage early: Join local briefings and provider forums on the transition and watch out for information shared by the Surrey Care Association team.

  • Plan for change: Anticipate new commissioning models and potential budget changes.

Until next time,

Nicola

CEO Surrey Care Association