The plans, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, form part of a wider programme of devolution which aims to transfer greater powers and resources from Westminster to local areas. Under the proposals, local areas will gain greater powers over transport, housing, skills and economic growth, while mayors will retain a share of income tax and business rates revenue.

The government has also indicated that areas without a mayor will be supported through the creation of strategic authorities and further devolution arrangements.

The Big Conversation on Care is a national engagement programme looking at the future of adult social care in England. It is an opportunity for people to share their experiences, ideas and priorities to help shape future reforms.

Whether you receive care and support, care for a family member or friend, work in health or social care, or simply have views on how care services should be delivered, we'd like to hear from you.

The meeting focused on ensuring the new authority is financially resilient, well governed and ready to protect and deliver services for residents.

Councillors considered a number of measures designed to ensure the new authority is built on firm foundations and is well placed to meet future challenges. 

The refurbishment works, which will improve the condition and durability of the bridge, are scheduled to begin on Monday 10 August and are expected to be completed by Friday 21 August, when the bridge will reopen to the public. 

The second footbridge, which closed in November 2025 due to structural concerns, is no longer serviceable and will remain closed. 

A signed diversion route for pedestrians will be in place throughout.  

As preparations continue for the new council ahead of April 2027, Cllr Follows has outlined his ambition to build an open and accountable authority that delivers real results for residents, businesses and communities across West Surrey. He has also highlighted the importance of tackling financial pressures head-on and creating a stable and resilient council that is fit for the future.

The draft policy sets out how the council will exercise its licensing responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003 and has been updated to reflect changes in legislation, local circumstances and emerging licensing issues.

Proposed changes include measures to help tackle drink spiking, strengthen safeguarding arrangements, support vulnerable people and update guidance on public safety, public health and licensing requirements.

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Licensing, said: 

The three appraisal documents cover Byfleet Corner/Rosemount Parade and Station Approach in West Byfleet, Woking town centre and Aviary Road in Pyrford.

The documents identify and describe the distinctive historic and architectural character of each area and will help inform future planning decisions affecting heritage assets. They form part of the council's ongoing programme to review and update its heritage evidence base.

In their seventh report to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Commissioners concluded that significant improvements have been made in governance, financial management and service transformation, helping to ensure the Council delivers better value for residents.

The report highlights robust governance arrangements, strengthened financial controls and a more stable workforce. Commissioners also noted that the council's asset disposal programme is now contributing directly to debt reduction, supporting its long-term financial recovery.

Launched today (Monday 13 July), the five-week consultation marks the first formal stage in preparing a new Local Plan under the government's recently introduced plan-making system.

Share your views online. 

The move follows approval by the Executive at its meeting on Thursday 9 July and marks a significant step towards preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and protecting residents, visitors and businesses in the town centre.

A PSPO allows councils to restrict or prohibit specific behaviours in public areas where they are causing ongoing nuisance or having a detrimental impact on a community’s quality of life, helping to protect the wellbeing of all who use the area. 

These councils will need to create their own distinct brand identities, to help everyone recognise who is delivering local services from April 2027. 

The new brands will be created at no cost by designers working in councils across Surrey. To help inform these designs, residents, businesses, council staff, partners and community groups across Surrey are invited to have a say on the future visual identities of the new East Surrey and West Surrey councils. 

This is the first phase of a wider programme of engagement to help shape the new councils. 

The consultation seeks views on an updated policy designed to reflect the latest government guidance and ensure taxi and private hire services across the borough remain safe, accessible and of a high standard.

The proposed policy includes a number of key changes, such as enhanced training requirements for drivers, including disability awareness, strengthened safety checks, and improved record keeping for operators.