04/09/2026
Dear Daryl,
This week, government confirmed that the first repayment towards Woking Borough Council's historic debt has now been made.
The £8 million repayment marks the beginning of their £500 million commitment to help reduce the council's legacy debt and the costs associated with it. Further repayments will follow over the coming months.
The support reflects the council's ongoing commitment to reducing its debt and delivering value for taxpayers through its Improvement and Recovery Plan, including asset disposals and the unwinding of unaffordable commercial arrangements.
Whilst there is still much work ahead, this is an important milestone, our priority is to enter the new West Surrey Council in the strongest financial position possible.
Alongside this, work continues at pace on local government reorganisation. Papers for the next West Surrey Executive meeting on Tuesday 15 September will be published next week and will include a number of important decisions as plans progress for the new council.
Before then, members of West Surrey Shadow Authority will meet for an extraordinary meeting to consider the appointment of a Chief Executive. I was delighted to be part of an interview panel for the shortlisted candidates. Papers for the meeting will also be published online next week.
September is always a time of new beginnings and as many families settle back into school and everyday routines, we've included some helpful back-to-school advice and guidance in this edition of the newsletter.
Have a lovely weekend.
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker
Leader of Woking Borough Council
Councillor for Goldsworth Park
https://www.woking.gov.uk/newsroom/2026/government-begins-repayment-wokings-historic-debt
