The Leader of Woking Borough Council, Cllr Ayesha Azad, has issued the following statement in response to the Ukraine crisis.

“Today [9 March 2022] we raise the Ukrainian flag above the Civic Offices in support of Ukraine and its citizens, and in support of freedom and democracy the world over.

A statue of former long-term resident and leading suffragette, Dame Ethel Smyth, was unveiled in Woking Town Centre to celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March).

Located in the newly pedestrianised Dukes Plaza, the official unveiling saw the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Liam Lyons, joined by invited guests including distant relatives of Dame Ethel, artist Christine Charlesworth, academics and councillors celebrate her life and recognise the important work she did for women’s rights and equality.

The Mayor of Woking, Cllr Liam Lyons, has issued the following statement in response to the Ukraine crisis.

“Like most people in the world who live in free, elected democracies, the people of Woking are stunned and appalled at the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and in particular, the media reports of such barbaric attacks on civilian areas and installations in some of Ukraine’s cities.

Empty homes can be a burden on local neighbourhoods which is why this Empty Homes Week, Woking Borough Council is urging local landlords to take the relevant measures to prevent their homes from falling vacant for long periods of time.

Unoccupied properties can attract vermin, antisocial behaviour, squatters and detract from the visual amenity of the local area. In efforts to minimise this from occurring, qualifying empty homeowners are able to seek support from the council and receive:

The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind to cover London, the South East and parts of the east of England from 10am today. Storm Eunice is expected to bring damaging winds and disruption on Friday (18 February 2022).

At the end of October, Woking Borough Council’s Executive took the decision to pause the start of any significant physical works on the Victoria Arch road widening and bridge replacement until, among other matters, a way forward had been agreed for both a temporary and permanent access to the aggregates yard.  

Woking Borough Council's financial plans for 2022 to 2023 have been approved following a decision by elected members at last night’s Council meeting (10 February 2022).

As part of the balanced budget, Woking Borough Council’s share of the annual Council Tax charge will rise by £5 (2%) for 2022 to 2023.

A copy of Cllr Ayesha Azad's budget statement presented to Council on Thursday 10 February 2022 is published below.

“It is a great privilege to address this council for my second year introducing a Business Plan, Budget and Council Tax proposal as Leader of the Council.

“My first one was delivered in very different circumstances.

“We were all sat at home on Zoom, remotely discussing the issues we face and taking decisions without being present in the chamber.

Following public consultation, works to update an existing cycle track will commence at Goldsworth Recreation Ground later this month.

This will mean that the current track will be out of action from February 16 for approximately nine weeks while the upgrade works take place.

This new track will see the implementation of a hybrid facility providing:

To support the independent assessment of Woking Borough Council’s financial position, the Council has published online a short film that gives an overview of the review.

Professional services firm, EY, was appointed to produce a comprehensive statement on the Council’s financial affairs, including its assets, borrowing, investments and contractual obligations.

Cardinals Netball has been awarded the Trotman Trophy, Woking's highest sporting honour, for its continued growth and inclusivity. 

Following an independent study of council climate action plans, Woking Borough Council’s plans to combat climate change have been found to be among the best.

Climate Emergency UK assessed council action plans against an expert-approved checklist created in partnership with Friends of the Earth, Centre for Alternative Technology, Ashden and APSE Energy.

Woking Borough Council achieved a total score of 70 per cent, compared to the borough and district council average score of 43 per cent.