13/10/2026
One of Britain's most respected economists Andy Haldane will chair a new Surrey Economic Commission to define a bold vision for the future of one of the UK's leading economies.
With devolution on the horizon, Surrey County Council is engaging the former Chief Economist of the Bank of England to lead an independent review into how Surrey can make the most of future opportunities to drive growth.
The Commission will bring together nationally recognised experts and thought leaders from across business, education, infrastructure, health and the public sector to help shape Surrey's next chapter of economic success pairing high-level expert roundtables with public engagement and balancing specialised knowledge with vital citizen voices.
By March, it will have developed a series of action-focused recommendations that build on Surrey’s economic strengths, position the county to compete nationally and internationally, and reshape how growth is planned, enabled and delivered.
Alongside this forward-looking work, Royal Holloway, University of London will undertake an independent Socio-Economic Impact Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of Surrey's economic and social progress in the last six years and helping identify opportunities to deliver further impact.
Together, they will provide both the evidence and ambition needed to shape Surrey's next chapter, helping the county build on its considerable strengths, unlock new opportunities and reinforce its position as one of the UK's economic powerhouses.
Andy Haldane, Chair of the Surrey Economic Commission, said: "With 1.2 million residents, an economy that generates more than £50 billion every year, a talented workforce and fantastic connections to the capital and beyond, Surrey is already a cornerstone of the UK economy.
"But there is so much more that can be done, especially as the government looks to transfer powers, responsibility and funding out of Whitehall and into local hands.
“As a long-time resident of Surrey, I have a vested interest in seeing the county succeed – which is why I’m determined to deliver a bold, ambitious and inclusive blueprint which has the collective buy-in of local stakeholders, business leaders and the broader community.”
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