Members of the Executive considered three proposals, previously reviewed by the Resources and Finance Scrutiny Committee, that support the council’s Improvement and Recovery Plan, which aims to unwind complex company structures, dispose of commercial assets and reduce the council’s historic levels of borrowing.

Victoria Square Woking Ltd (VSWL)

The first report approved proposals for VSWL, a wholly owned Woking Borough Council company, to market key assets within the Victoria Place development.

During an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 12 March, Council approved the final recommendations and the Reorganisation Order required to create a new civil parish for Pyrford and an associated parish council, to be known as Pyrford Parish Council.

The Stage 2 consultation, which ran from 6 January to 28 February 2026, received 203 responses. Of those who responded:

More than 26,000 residents received early guidance by email ahead of this year’s Council Tax billing, helping them prepare by applying for discounts, setting up Direct Debits and choosing paperless billing.

The response was positive, with many residents completing these quick tasks online, giving the flexibility to manage their account at a time that suits them.

These committees bring together councillors from the current councils to begin planning for the move to the new East and West Surrey authorities. They will continue to meet monthly until the Shadow Authorities are formally established following the May 2026 elections. This early work is about putting the right foundations in place and providing stability during a period of change. 

What was discussed at the March meetings: 

From Tuesday 31 March, Woking households will be able to add aerosol cans, food and drink cartons, non-black plastic plant pots and squeezy metal and plastic tubes.

Please recycle items empty, clean and loose - not inside plastic bags or liners. Remember to rinse and dry cartons. Here’s the checklist:

The refurbishment forms part of a wider £1.2 million ongoing investment into the centre, aimed at improving health and fitness facilities for the local community.

Managed by Everyone Active on behalf of Woking Borough Council, the centre will benefit from a wide range of improvements, including upgrades across the gym and group exercise studios.

The updated strategy reflects progress made over the past year and sets out a focused set of priorities for the year ahead, as the organisation continues to deliver essential services, complete outstanding improvement work and prepare for the transition to the new West Surrey Council on 1 April 2027. 

Over the past year significant progress has been made against the council’s Improvement and Recovery Plan and day‑to‑day service delivery. Eighteen of the 26 actions scheduled for completion in the last six months have now been delivered. 

A PSPO allows councils to restrict or prohibit specific behaviours in public areas where they are causing ongoing nuisance, harm or a detrimental impact on a community’s quality of life, helping to protect the wellbeing of those who live, work and spend time in the area. 

Last night (12 March), the council’s Executive considered the revised Housing Standards Enforcement Policy and the Housing Standards Civil Penalty Notice Policy, and agreed to recommend both documents to Council for formal adoption in April.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces significant changes for both tenants and landlords, and the expectation that local authorities take immediate enforcement action for a range of offences.

The Byfleet Neighbourhood Plan covers a range of planning policies for the Byfleet Neighbourhood Area including design, the village centre, employment sites, trees, hedges and woodland, flood management, local green spaces and heritage.

If supported, the plan will be taken to Council for formal adoption. Once adopted, it will become part of the statutory Development Plan for the area and used when determining planning applications in the Byfleet Neighbourhood Area.

The budget includes a business‑as‑usual revenue budget of £22 million to fund essential local services, alongside £2.7 million in efficiency savings and a growth package of £3.3 million to support priority areas, including housing and community services.

To fund the council’s share of local services, councillors approved a 3% increase in the Woking element of Council Tax, which is in line with government thresholds and demonstrates a balanced, responsible approach to financial planning. 

The changes which are being introduced in May will give tenants greater stability and security. They will also break down barriers that can prevent some people and families from renting altogether.

The sweeping reforms place new responsibilities on landlords and give local authorities greater powers to enforce them. 

Key changes taking effect on 1 May 2026 include: