Keeping communities at the heart of local government - Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs)

As Surrey continues its journey toward local government reorganisation, transforming to two new unitary authorities, West Surrey and East Surrey, from 1 April 2027, residents can be reassured that community involvement will remain central to how local services are shaped.

To strengthen local voices, the government is encouraging new councils to introduce Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs). These committees are designed to bring partners and communities together, create opportunities for early collaboration, and help tackle local issues early.

Between July and December 2025, NACs were piloted in four areas across Surrey: East Elmbridge, Dorking and Villages, Farnham, and North Tandridge. 

The East Elmbridge pilot brought together local Councillors, community organisations, health and police representatives, schools, businesses, and voluntary groups to discuss priorities and take collective action. Representing approximately 50,000 residents, the committee focused on what matters most to local people, starting with youth services.

Focus on youth services

During the pilot, the East Elmbridge NAC explored practical ways to improve opportunities for young people, including widening access to subsidised gym memberships, making better use of local facilities, improving transport options and working with schools to understand travel needs. The committee also highlighted the importance of coordinated work experience offers for young people, using local partnerships and resources.

Feedback from all four pilot areas was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the strong stakeholder engagement, inclusive approach to resident involvement, and the ability to reach consensus on shared priorities. 

Given the impact of the pilots, including in East Elmbridge, Elmbridge Borough Council’s Cabinet will consider proposals in February to endorse the NAC model as an ongoing approach to community engagement throughout the local government reorganisation process and agree to continue to support the East Elmbridge NAC up to the pre-election period in 2026 – the period before the May elections when engagement and promotion is restricted.

Cllr Mike Rollings, Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, said:
“Throughout the local government reorganisation process, it’s vital that our communities remain at the heart of every decision. Their insight, lived experience, and priorities will help ensure the new arrangements are stronger, more effective, and truly responsive to local needs. The NACs play an important role in this, and Elmbridge was keen to be part of the pilot programme. We are fully supportive of NACs continuing into the future.”

Read the Elmbridge Cabinet report on NACs

Read the Surrey County Council report on NACs