Government intervention

On Thursday 25 May 2023, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) – GOV.UK published the outcome of its non-statutory external assurance review into our finances, investments and related governance.

The report highlighted that we did not have the capacity or capability to manage the severe financial challenges we face and we must increase the pace at which the recovery must happen.   

Read the DLUHC external assurance review report – GOV.UK

The Secretary of State considered that we were failing in complying with our best value duty under the Local Government Act 1999. In particular, because of the scale of financial and commercial risk due to our legacy of extraordinarily high and disproportionate levels of debt.

Following publication, the government announced a series of measures that outline the next steps. These included the Secretary of State making directions which set out actions we must take and the appointment by The Secretary of State of Commissioners, who have powers over a range of council functions, to work with the Corporate Leadership Team to address the authority’s ongoing financial challenges. 

The Secretary of State envisages that most decisions will be carried out by us, but with the oversight of the commissioners.

The aim of the intervention is to secure the best possible outcome for Woking residents, taxpayers and the public purse. It also ensures we make sufficient improvement to be able to comply with its best value duty on a sustainable basis. 

The government’s intervention will be in place for up to 5 years. 

Read all government documents relating to the review and the best value intervention – GOV.UK