Latest news with #WokingBoroughCouncil
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Local government shake-up is rushed, says Farnham and Bordon MP
The MP for Farnham and Bordon has said a reorganisation of local government is being "rushed' and that authorities like Waverley Borough Council are being forced to merge with places like "debt-ridden" Woking Borough county council and eleven borough and district councils will eventually be scrapped, under government plans announced in the Commons on Monday, Conservative Greg Stafford asked what is being done to make sure his constituents do not have to pay a "financial price".Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the government is offering "unprecedent support" and that the changes to councils will lead to improvements for residents. Proposals for Surrey include merging existing council areas into two or three new unitary declared itself effectively bankrupt in 2023 with £2bn of debt, and has since increased council tax and cut said: "The rushed local government reorganisation means that Waverley Borough Council in my area will be forced to join with other authorities like Woking which are debt- ridden."What is the Secretary of State going to do to ensure that residents in my area don't pay a financial price for the woes of other authorities?"Rayner told the Commons that there is no proposal for council debt to be written off, but the government accepts that authorities like Woking have "significant unsupported debt that cannot be managed locally in its entirety"."We have committed providing an initial amount of debt repayments support for these councils in 2027/2027, ahead of the reorganisation," she added that this "is unprecedented support from government".
BBC News
22-05-2025
- BBC News
Knaphill unauthorised caravan encampment visited by Surrey Police
Police have visited a site in Surrey where an unauthorised caravan encampment has been set said 30 caravans and other vehicles moved onto the land in Waterers Park, Knaphill, on police said they are working closely with Woking Borough Council, which owns the land.A similar incident happened on the same piece of land in August 2024.
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.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed GP and nursery site to be new flats
A total of 19 new flats are to be built on a site in Surrey previously earmarked for a GP and children's nursery. The Sheerwater regeneration project was set to see a new medical centre, children's nursery and community hub after Woking Borough Council borrowed hundreds of millions to transform the borough, including replacing derelict housing and ageing infrastructure. The council began by demolishing the newer buildings, leaving the ones most in need of replacing until the end. However, the council ran out of money with debts of more than £2bn before finishing the project, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). The regeneration promised new housing and modern clinics, but at a planning committee meeting on 15 April, it was announced that councillors approved plans to build 19 new flats instead. Sheerwater will continue to use the old sites that had long been earmarked for demolition, LDRS reports. The community and health centres will be replaced with a mixture of single storey flats and duplexes, while the nursery space that had been previously approved will also be replaced with flats. Outdoor space reserved for the nursery will be split among a portion of the new flats that have direct access, while the remainder will be used as a communal garden. The dental and pharmacy spaces and the retail frontages along Dartmouth Avenue are to be retained. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Council renews call to take on community centre Council grant to deliver temporary accommodation Life in Surrey area with highest child poverty Sheerwater residents consulted on estate's future Council pauses failed regeneration project Woking Borough Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Town centre road could reopen by end of April
The leader of Woking Borough Council said a major road in the town centre could reopen at the end of April. Victoria Way has seen roadworks and closures since 2021, due to cladding panels repeatedly falling from the Hilton hotel. Anne-Marie Barker said on Friday specialist equipment had arrived on site, which she said would "speed up" the process. The equipment had originally been due to arrive in March. She said the contractor SRM would "work seven days a week, with extended working hours due to lighter mornings and evenings, to expedite the installation of the temporary fixings". SRM has previously apologised for the inconvenience and said it empathised with residents and businesses over their frustration. Ms Barker said: "Despite the road closure, our town centre remains open for business and there are plenty of activities to enjoy over the Easter school holidays. "With fairer weather, longer working hours and the arrival of additional equipment, I am advised by SRM that an opening towards the end of April is now being targeted." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Town centre road shut until late April - council Road closures are killing business, say traders Road reopening delayed until Easter - council 'Shoddy' cladding firm 'should be blacklisted' Woking Borough Council
