The public is being asked to help craft the visual identity and branding for the two new local authorities that will take over local government in Surrey next year.
Survey aims to form recognisable council brands
Future Surrey has opened an online consultation inviting residents to give views on the names, logos and overall look that will identify East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council when they begin operating in April 2027. The exercise is intended to ensure the new organisations are immediately recognisable to people accessing services.
Why this matters now
The two new authorities will assume responsibility for all county and district services, replacing Surrey County Council and the county’s 11 district and borough councils. The legal framework requires each successor authority to have its own identity and branding so residents can distinguish official communications and services.
“The decisions and foundations we are developing now will help ensure East Surrey Council is ready to deliver for residents from day one in April 2027,”
That comment comes from Steve Wotton, leader of the transitional East Surrey Council, who said the new authority will focus on community priorities and providing timely support to residents as the changeover approaches.
How residents can get involved
- Complete the Future Surrey online survey to give views on council names and branding.
- Respondents can help shape colours, logos and straplines that will appear on official letters, websites and public signage.
- Local parties and newly elected councillors will guide the transition while existing councils wind down.
Practical timeline and governance
Following the May elections, the Liberal Democrats hold majorities on both incoming authorities and are responsible for overseeing the handover. The key dates are set out below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Local elections determining new councils | May 2026 |
| Branding consultation launched | July 2026 |
| New councils assume responsibility | April 2027 |
The consultation is not merely cosmetic: clear branding plays a practical role in ensuring residents can tell genuine council correspondence and access services without confusion during a complex period of administrative change. As preparations continue through the autumn and winter, councillors will be balancing practical service continuity with efforts to build local pride in the new authorities.
Residents interested in contributing should visit the Future Surrey website for the questionnaire and further information about how responses will be used to shape East and West Surrey Councils’ identities.
