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:

Subject to final confirmation, the government has indicated support for a capitalisation direction of up to £58.1 million, helping the council manage unsustainable debt related costs arising from its legacy of historic financial decisions. 

The Voluntary Joint Committees bring together councillors from the existing councils to plan the transition to West and East Surrey. They are meeting monthly until the shadow authorities are formed for West and East Surrey following the May 2026 elections. 

During their February meetings, both Voluntary Joint Committees: 

The permanent fix involves installing over 14,000 revised fixings to the exterior rainscreen panels that form the distinctive gold and yellow façade using suspended access cradles and Bronto mobile access platforms.

To undertake the works safely, a temporary single lane closure of the Victoria Way southbound carriageway is required. The lane closure, commencing on Monday 30 March 2026, will be in place for approximately 12 weeks. Traffic will filter into a single lane shortly after the main Victoria Place car park exit. 

From Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 February 2026, fans can enjoy a high octane programme of free Formula 1-based activities at Victoria Place Woking in celebration of McLaren’s remarkable 2025 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship victories.

This five day event, hosted by McLaren Racing for home fans, will feature adults and kids F1 simulators, an interactive pit stop challenge, a full scale McLaren Formula 1 show car and a replica of the Constructors’ Championship trophy, proudly displayed at the Hilton Woking (19 to 21 February only).

Set within Waterer’s Park, the pavilion comes with around 4,500 sqm of flexible outdoor space, offering an exceptional opportunity for commercial operators to bring fresh, engaging activities that support healthy and active lifestyles in the community. 

The councils are committed to ensuring residents are aware of the changes, how it impacts them and how they can have a say by voting in the elections, and are communicating the change via a temporary brand called ‘Future Surrey’.  

Residents will receive information through letterboxes, on social media, in newsletters, in local libraries and community spaces and via a new website. 

The black tie gala on 7 March 2026, will bring together business leaders, community influencers, civic figures and local supporters for an evening of celebration, entertainment and fundraising at the Hilton Hotel, Woking.

Expected to attract upwards of 250 guests, all proceeds will support the Mayor’s chosen charity, Citizens Advice Woking, which helps residents facing financial hardship, legal worries, employment issues and other personal challenges.

Through a collaboration between local voluntary groups, Woking Community Transport and Woking Healthy Communities Partnership Board (WHCPB), a community transport bus has been made available for use by voluntary sector organisations. 

The bus will help groups transport clients to events, theatre visits, leisure centres, shopping trips, care homes and community activities, addressing one of the key barriers residents face when trying to stay socially connected.