Latest news with #DaleRoberts
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Woking private school must repay £13m loan as merger announced
A cash-strapped council in Surrey owed more than £13m by a private school wants "immediate discussions" with its governors after they announced a merger with another School in Woking has loans of £13,257,756 from Woking Borough Council, according to documents published to Companies House in revealed on Monday it would be merging with nearby private institution Hoe Bridge School from September 2026 – though neither gave a response when asked about plans to ensure the debt was leader Dale Roberts said the council would pursue "all necessary steps" to secure the repayment of these loans. "Whilst I welcome the planned merger between Greenfield and Hoe Bridge schools, we have been clear that all existing contractual obligations, including the repayment of outstanding loans to Greenfield School, must be honoured in full."We are seeking immediate discussions with the new organisation to set out our expectations and to protect the interests of local taxpayers."The BBC contacted both schools to ask how the combined governing body planned to repay the debt owed by Greenfield.A spokesperson for Hoe Bridge said: "We are glad that the council welcomes our merger announced this week."Not only will this bring two high-quality schools together for the benefit of families in Woking, but it will also provide long-term stability for independent education in the area and the wider local economy."We look forward to continuing our work with the council with these common interests in mind."Greenfield did not was due to repay £2.4m in November last year, but said it was not in a position to do so and instead offered a building it owned in exchange to cover the outstanding March, the council, which has a £2bn debt, said it was taking legal advice to get its money back.
BBC News
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Surrey: Woking car park to close for significant repairs
A car park in Woking, Surrey, is set to close for significant repairs following a structural review. Victoria Way car park will close for in-bound vehicles from 17:30 GMT on Friday and, according to Woking Borough Council (WBC), will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The council said the current condition of the car park did not pose a risk to public safety but that "substantial repairs" had been recommended. Councillor Dale Roberts, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance and economy, said: "We are committed to taking a pragmatic approach to the car park's future, considering the cost implications, future maintenance requirements and the evolving parking needs of the town." The council confirmed the closure was not due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the structure. The car park has 932 spaces and is normally open 24 hours a day. Mr Roberts said the council was working with permit holders to "provide alternative parking arrangements". The council said drivers would have the weekend to remove their cars ahead of a full closure on Monday.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council to request £171m government bailout
A cash-strapped council is expected to ask the government for "an eye-watering" £171m to help it balance its budget. If successful, Woking Borough Council share of tax would likely rise by 2.99% – markedly lower than last year's 10% hike, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The government funds would cover £162.8m in servicing its overhanging £2.1bn debt and £2m to cover normal day-to-day costs. The process has been described as "one of the most difficult" budgets for any borough council to set. On Monday, the council's resource and finance scrutiny committee heard that moves to bring a fully balanced budget to the table would have devastated the authority and residents with mass compulsory redundancies and deep cuts to popular services. Instead, it intends to hit that goal – as councils must by law be able to balance their books over a three-year period by slowing raising fees and charges. Stephen Fitzgerald, the council's chief financial officer, said the situation was "an entirely different place to last year", though far from perfect. "The budget proposals are an important milestone on Woking 's improvement and recovery journey," he said. He described the "considerable turbulence" in public finances, especially in local government. "The overall general fund budget is a fairly eye-watering figure of £162.8m," he added. Whether the budget passes hinges on the government agreeing to financial support – with the council submitting a request for £171.1m. Councillor Dale Roberts, lead member for finance, said: "All discretionary services are being maintained, housing and homelessness have become a crystal-clear priority, and council tax is assumed to be 3% (2.99%) the general increase for district councils. "Naturally, our budget is dependent on government support, but the administration is confident that it is continuing to do everything it can to address historic failings and achieve a balanced budget." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Council billions in debt sells off more buildings Woking council apologises for financial failings Cash-strapped Woking council mulls more savings Local Democracy Reporting Service Woking Borough Council
