Today, we're diving into a topic that’s shaking things up in our neck of the woods: Surrey's local government is about to undergo its biggest makeover in half a century! Yes, you heard it right - two shiny new unitary authorities are stepping in to replace the old county council and a whopping eleven district and borough councils. To help us decipher this big change, The Sheppertonian met with local councillors who shared the scoop on what this means for us folks living in Shepperton and the surrounding areas. They broke it down like a simple recipe: one council means fewer headaches, a streamlined service, and hopefully quicker decisions - because who doesn’t want their bins collected on time? So grab your headphones and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can make your voice heard come election day on May 7th.

Takeaways:

1. The local government in Surrey is undergoing a massive overhaul, creating two new unitary authorities, simplifying governance for residents.
2. Residents will soon only deal with one council, the West Surrey Unitary Authority, making services more streamlined and efficient.
3. Key dates for residents to remember include the election on May 7th and the transition to the new authority on April 1st 2027.
4. The transition aims to reduce confusion and duplication between current councils, improving service delivery and accountability for locals.
5. Many residents may not notice immediate changes, but the hope is for a more seamless service after the transition.
6. Councillors emphasise the importance of community engagement and staying informed about the changes happening in local governance.

• Future Surrey – Surrey LGR Hub
• 2026 West Surrey Elections | Spelthorne Borough Council

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Join the Business Club

Become a community supporter

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Check the roadworks

Sheppertonian Business Club Supporters

Island Motors: MOT & Servicing / Repairs.

Walfinch Hampton, Twickenham & Virginia Water Home Care

Mentioned in this episode:

Danielle Davies: Celebrant

Every story deserves a ceremony as unique as the people at its heart.

Shepperton Matters

Shepperton Matters

The Sound Boutique

Want to start your own podcast?

The Ferry Coffee Shop

Purveyors of fine coffee, tea & snacks.

Meet Andy, a man who turned a stage four lymphoma diagnosis into a beacon of hope for our community. After facing his own battles, he created the Patient Cancer Support Group, a warm and welcoming space where people can share their stories and find camaraderie in their struggles. This isn't your typical support group; it's all about real talk, empathy, and the kind of laughter that makes the tough times a little lighter. Andy's journey from patient to community leader is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the darkest tunnels, there’s always a glimmer of light. So grab your coffee, kick back, and join us as we dive into Andy's inspiring story and learn how this group is making waves in Shepperton, one heartfelt conversation at a time!

• Patient Cancer Support Group Facebook group
• Patient Cancer Support Group website

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Join the Business Club

Become a community supporter

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Check the roadworks

Sheppertonian Business Club Supporters

Island Motors: MOT & Servicing / Repairs.

Walfinch Hampton, Twickenham & Virginia Water Home Care

Mentioned in this episode:

The Sound Boutique

Want to start your own podcast?

The Ferry Coffee Shop

Purveyors of fine coffee, tea & snacks.

Danielle Davies: Celebrant

Every story deserves a ceremony as unique as the people at its heart.

Shepperton Matters

Shepperton Matters

After a long musical hibernation, Sheppertonian Sally Kemp dusted off her old reel-to-reel tapes from the '70s, restored her past gems, and dropped an album called 'Songs From Then'. But that’s not all! She’s also writing new tunes, including a heartfelt piece titled 'Don't Look Away', aimed at raising awareness for hungry children around the globe. We dive into her journey of rediscovery and the spark that reignited her passion for songwriting, which, believe it or not, started with just some quiet reflection during the pandemic. So grab your headphones and get comfy, because we’re about to explore Sally's musical renaissance and what it means to keep creating, no matter the age!

• Follow Sally on Instagram
• Sally's website

• Follow Sally on Instagram
• Sally's website

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Join the Business Club

Become a community supporter

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Check the roadworks

Mentioned in this episode:

The Sound Boutique

Want to start your own podcast?

Danielle Davies: Celebrant

Every story deserves a ceremony as unique as the people at its heart.

Shepperton Matters

Shepperton Matters