West Surrey Council Corporate Strategy Survey

We want West Surrey to be a place where people thrive, communities flourish, opportunity is shared, and residents can trust their council to deliver.
The vision and priorities for the future West Surrey Council are still being developed, and we want them to reflect what matters most to you, our residents.
Through this survey, we want to understand the:
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key issues in your local area
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changes you would like to see across West Surrey
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what you think the new council should prioritise
Your views will help shape West Surrey Council's priorities and plans for the future.
This survey is open from Monday 19 October 2026 and will close on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Have your say to help shape West Surrey Council
Ambitions
In the survey we will ask your views on the draft ambitions for the new West Surrey Councils which are split into four themes:
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A supportive West Surrey, where people can build good lives, feel safe and access the homes, opportunities and support they need.
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A thriving and sustainable West Surrey, with strong communities, attractive and well-connected places and a healthier natural environment.
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A prosperous West Surrey, where businesses and ideas can succeed, good jobs and opportunities are within reach, and everyone has a fair chance to share in West Surrey’s success.
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A trusted and well-run council, which listens, keeps its promises, spends residents’ money wisely and works with others to get the best for West Surrey.
Financial challenges
West Surrey Council will face significant financial challenges from day one. Alongside uncertainty over future local government funding and growing demand for services, the council will inherit debt and financial commitments from predecessor authorities.
Whilst some historic debt will be managed separately from day-to-day service delivery, financial pressures will remain. This means the council will need to make careful decisions about how resources are used, focusing investment where it can have the greatest impact for residents whilst maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
Next steps
Your answers will help us understand what people living across all parts of West Surrey need, and what matters most to them as the Shadow Authority develops its priorities and plan for 2027-2030.
We will use the survey findings to help develop the new strategy for West Surrey Council. The findings may also be used to inform other decisions by the new Council as they develop plans to deliver the strategy.
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Engagement period 19 October to 15 November 2026
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Engagement analysis and reporting November 2026 to January 2027
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Engagement findings inform final strategy January to February 2027
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Approve and endorse Corporate Strategy February 2027
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West Surrey Council launches 1 April 2027
This survey is open from Monday 19 October 2026 and will close on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Engagement events
We will be out and about in communities in West Surrey with the opportunity for you to talk to us about the Council Strategy. We want to hear from you so please do drop by and say hello. Dates, times and locations of where we will be in your local area are listed below. No need to book.
Accessible formats of the survey
Residents can request alternative formats via a central contact number.
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Telephone: 03456 009 009
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Textphone (via Relay UK): 18001 03456 009 009
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Text SMS: 07860 053 465
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British Sign Language: www.surreycc.gov.uk/bsl
Easy Read, Screen Reader, Large Print and hard copies of the survey can be downloaded below:
- Easy Read version of the survey (11.3MB, PDF)
- Large Print Survey (261KB, PDF)
- Large Print Stakeholder Survey (255KB, PDF)
- Screen Reader Survey (283 KB, PDF)
- Screen Reader Stakeholder Survey (190KB, PDF)
Return of surveys
Hard copy printed surveys can be picked up and dropped back at all Surrey libraries. Or mailed directly back to:
FOA West Surrey Survey c/o Corporate Strategy Team, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB