The new Local Plan will provide the framework for future development across the borough between 2027 and 2044, helping to determine where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities should be located.

Government requires the new Local Plan to be adopted within 30 months of formally commencing work. To support this timetable, the council has already completed a range of preparatory work, including publishing a detailed timetable, putting governance arrangements in place and undertaking initial scoping consultations.

At its latest meeting, the West Surrey Shadow Authority reviewed progress against the local government reorganisation implementation programme.  

Councillors also approved important governance arrangements that will help ensure the new council operates transparently, is accountable to residents and is ready to deliver effective services from its launch in April 2027. These included measures to strengthen ethical standards, support transparent decision-making, clarify how councillors and officers work together, and uphold high standards of conduct across the new authority.

Popular with visitors of all ages, this year’s event recorded its highest footfall to date, providing a welcome boost for retailers and creating a lively buzz in town.

More than 100 privately owned cars lined the pedestrian parts of town, interspersed with a selection of replica movie cars and characters which drew a crowd wherever they went.

Event organiser, Terry Fox, a classic car enthusiast from Horsell, said: 

Street trading can play an important role in supporting local businesses, increasing choice for customers and helping create vibrant town and village centres.

The proposed policy sets out a clear and consistent approach to how street trading applications will be considered and the standards expected of traders. It does not introduce street trading controls to any new roads or locations.

The new websites are being developed ahead of the launch of East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council on 1 April 2027 as part of local government reorganisation (LGR). Until then, existing council websites and services will continue to operate as normal.

The survey aims to understand how people expect to find information and services online, helping to ensure the new websites are organised in a way that is easy to use and navigate. Participants will be asked where they would look first for common council information and services.

Fridges and freezers require specialist treatment and recycling. There is currently only a limited number of facilities across the country able to process them.

A combination of operational issues affecting several treatment facilities, including site fires, the closure of a processor and increased demand during the recent hot weather, has significantly reduced national capacity. 

The sales represent a major step in the council's programme to reduce borrowing, strengthen its financial position and create a more sustainable future ahead of the formation of West Surrey Council in April 2027.

To date, the council has completed or exchanged asset sales totalling £72 million, with a further £54 million currently under offer, demonstrating the significant progress already made through the council's asset disposal programme.

The appointment marks an important milestone in Surrey's local government reorganisation programme, which will see the county's existing 12 councils replaced by two new unitary councils from April 2027.  

Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of West Surrey Shadow Council, said:  

The first repayment was completed on 1 September 2026 with the settlement of an £8 million loan. A further £492 million of loans will be repaid by the end of March 2027.

These repayments follow government's commitment last year to provide £500 million of financial support during 2026/27 to help reduce Woking's historic debt burden and associated borrowing costs.

Taking place at Woking Leisure Centre on Thursday 12 November, the free networking event will welcome up to 100 local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations for a day of collaboration and information sharing.

Residents are also invited to drop in between 10.30am and 1.30pm to discover the wide range of services available across the borough and explore the volunteering opportunities available on their doorstep.

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: 

The improvement programme will give the playground a fresh new look, including a replacement roundabout, new overhead monkey bars and refurbished rubber safety surface throughout the play area.

To allow the works to take place, the playground will close from Monday 7 September for approximately two weeks.

The improvements are being funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) following a successful funding application by ward councillor, John Morley.

Veolia was identified as the Preferred Bidder as a result of a complex and robust procurement process that was formally ratified by the four councils and the East and West Surrey shadow authorities in July. 

Following award of the contract, JWS will work closely with Veolia to set up the new contract on behalf of each authority. Together they will implement a mobilisation plan to ensure that waste collections and street cleaning run continuously from the point of handover, next June.