Commissioners praise “encouraging” progress at Woking but warn debt challenge remains

Writing in their fifth report on the council, commissioners meanwhile said the council's outstanding debt remains a considerable challenge, and that it still faces significant challenges with regard to its longer-term commercial resilience.

The report, which was made public on Thursday (11 December), added that the council's housing service has been "largely overhauled" and that its transformation plan - which includes reforms to service delivery and cultural change - is "well underway but not yet complete".

On governance, commissioners highlighted the adoption of a new constitution "which reflects a thorough overhaul of its governance arrangements".

As a result, the report said that decision-making at the council is now "underpinned by clarity, purpose and consistency, and the scheme of delegation to officers is practised in a considered way".

Member-officer relations have also "improved measurably", but there "remain one or two areas where working relationships warrant attention", it added.

Alongside governance improvements, Woking has also set a balanced budget this year.

According to the report, the council's 'business as usual budget' is £23m, excluding commercial debt.

However, including the servicing of commercial debt, the budget is £162.8 million. The council is relying on exceptional financial support (EFS) from the Government and £96.5 million deferred Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) to balance its budget.

Turning to local government reorganisation, commissioners said they remain committed to the delivery of all key areas of the Improvement and Recovery Plan (IRP) by March 2027 so that Woking is fit for purpose when being incorporated into the new unitary authority.

The report added: "The council shares that objective although this must be set against the backcloth of uncertainty that could affect the workforce.

"The IRP will accommodate the impact of the different stages preceding the creation of the unitary Councils on 1 April 2027 and will adapt its approach through the transitional period. However, the IRP will continue to require complete eradication of all historic failings, as part of its success criteria, within the timescale."

Commissioners said the council's priority for the next six months will involve work on reducing the council's debt.

The Local Government Minister, Alison McGovern, welcomed the improvements, stating: "I am particularly encouraged by the Council’s successful setting of the 2025/26 budget.

"I also share their concerns about the significant challenges that the Council faces, and I support their continued focus on ensuring that the Council has the capability and capacity it needs to deliver the necessary changes at pace.

"As you rightly highlight, the context of local government reorganisation in Surrey adds further urgency and complexity to your work. I welcome, in your next report, your reflections on the local government reorganisation process, including how Government can best support new councils in meeting their Best Value duty from day one and raising any urgent issues that you are aware of and fall outside of your remit as Commissioners to solve."

Lead Commissioner, Sir Tony Redmond, said Woking had made "encouraging progress", but added: "The task ahead remains demanding, particularly in light of the government’s recent decision on local government reorganisation and reducing the council’s debt, with the next six months pivotal in delivering the commercial programme."

Cllr Ann‑Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, meanwhile said the council is "determined to complete the Improvement and Recovery Plan, embed the cultural change already underway, and meet Best Value standards for our residents".

Adam Carey