Surrey County Council is estimating it will have a £21m deficit in the draft budget for its final year of operating before being replaced by two unitary authorities.

Officials warned the council needed “to reduce costs and take difficult decisions” to close the forecasted shortfall for 2026-27.

It will be the local authority’s final budget before it’s  replaced by two unitary authorities.

Cabinet members will vote on a final budget after its consultation closes on 4 January, before the full council votes on the plans in February.