Commissioners' third report published

Wednesday, 20 November, 2024

The Government has published the third report from Commissioners appointed to oversee improvement at Woking Borough Council following the intervention announced in May 2023.

In the report, prepared for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Commissioners note that Woking still faces significant challenges in its recovery, particularly regarding its financial position and the capacity to deliver the required improvements. However, the council remains committed to working with Commissioners to deliver fundamental change through its Improvement and Recovery Plan.

In his letter of response to the Commissioner Team, Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon OBE MP, said: "Woking's strong relationships between the Commissioner Team, the Council and the Ministry is a good example of how we can work in partnership to support a shared focus on recovery and reform. There are lots of obstacles ahead, but I am confident that you and Council have a good understanding of the challenge.

"Woking's financial challenges require a measured approach to achieving value for money for residents, and I am satisfied with the progress to date in delivering a robust plan of improvement."

Responding to publication of the Commissioners' third report, Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: "We welcome publication of the Commissioners' third report to Ministers and the accompanying Ministerial response.

"It is helpful that there is a recognition of the capacity challenges we face in putting the council on a stable footing and, at the same time, working through systematically the plethora of legacy issues which have culminated in the significant debt faced by Woking.

"We remain committed to addressing the historic failings identified in both the Grant Thornton public interest report and the Commissioners' findings. Through the Improvement and Recovery Plan, we are taking systematic and decisive action to strengthen governance, improve financial management, and rebuild trust with our residents.

"We continue to work closely with the Commissioners and the Government to ensure we deliver sustainable improvements and secure a positive future for Woking."

Following publication of a non-statutory external assurance review into the council's finances, investments and related governance in May 2023, the Government announced the appointment of a Commissioner Team to oversee a range of council functions and to work with its senior leadership team to address the ongoing financial challenges.

It is expected the Government's intervention will be in place for up to five years.

Read the Commissioners' third report

Read the Ministerial response