Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group representing eight borough and district councils, said: 

We are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to proceed with two unitary authorities, effectively creating two ‘mega councils’ that risk losing local identity and responsiveness to our community’s values.

This decision goes against the three unitary model put forward by our councils, which we believe offered a more balanced and representative solution for Surrey.

The scheme, which begins on 5 January 2026, will apply to smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) - properties where 3 or more people from 2 or more households share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Larger HMOs with 5 or more occupants are already subject to mandatory licensing.

The new scheme aims to tackle concerns about poor property conditions, inadequate management and the reluctance of some tenants to report issues due to fear of eviction.

By requiring landlords of smaller HMOs to obtain a licence, the additional licensing scheme will:

Adopted in December 2024, the strategy sets out a clear vision for a thriving, inclusive and well-governed borough. 

Built around three strategic themes, Thriving Communities, High Performing Council and Effective Partnerships, the strategy is underpinned by 58 targeted actions designed to drive meaningful change and measurable outcomes for residents.

We are required by the Regulator for Social Housing to measure and publish tenant satisfaction on an annual basis to benchmark our performance and identify areas for improvement.

Louise Strongitharm, the council’s Strategic Director for Communities, said: 

The survey questions relate to the housing services the council provides as a landlord and cover themes such as keeping homes in good repair, building safety, responding to complaints, keeping tenants informed and looking after their neighbourhoods.

This change is due to updates to our payment processing arrangements in line with external requirements. 

Payment slips will still be issued and bills can be paid at your bank or building society. 

Please note that cheque payments are no longer accepted.

Currently, Woking has 58 licensed wheelchair accessible vehicles, but only three of these meet ULEV standards. 

The new deadline for existing vehicles of 31 March 2030 will give drivers more time to access suitable vehicles and allow supporting infrastructure to develop further.

Cllr Liam Lyons, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regulation and Local Government Reorganisation, and Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: 

Despite clear signage and regular collections by charities, the site has become a hotspot for illegal waste disposal, with items such as mattresses, household appliances and black bin bags routinely abandoned. 

Between April and September 2025, 72 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to individuals caught illegally fly-tipping waste at the site. 

The cost of removing illegally dumped waste at the site is met by local taxpayers. 

Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Leisure, said: 

The CAT scheme enables voluntary and community organisations to lease council-owned buildings, helping to protect valued spaces and deliver services that meet local needs whilst enabling the council to make essential budget savings.

Regenerate Rise Woking, whose lease began on 1 September, has created a welcoming space where individuals and families can gather, connect, and take part in a wide range of activities.

The review follows an application from Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum proposing that a parish council be established covering the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area.

The consultation invites feedback on the creation of a parish council and its electoral arrangements, such as the number of councillors, wards and boundaries. All views received will help shape the council’s decision. 

Adesuwa Omoregie, Woking Borough Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: 

The centre, at the time managed by the Maybury Centre Trust, had its electricity supply terminated and the meter removed, leaving the centre without power. As a result, essential safety systems were no longer working and the site was closed in the interests of public safety. 

Subsequent investigations revealed that the gas meter had also been removed.

As a result, Woking Borough Council has assumed operational management of the Maybury Centre. The Trust will no longer be involved in the management of the site.

From full-throttle Harley Davidson bikes to gleaming hot rods, over 100 classic and custom vehicles lined the town driving thousands of visitors for a day of petrol-powered excitement.

The Transformers were a smash hit once again, with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Barricade and Megatron drawing huge crowds alongside Batman, who arrived in style in his Batmobile. 

Other movie cars included the hilarious Mutts Cutts van from Dumb and Dumber, and the iconic Vauxhall Astra from Hot Fuzz.

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, said:

Woking Borough Council is appalled by the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The scale of suffering, with tens of thousands of innocent lives lost, widespread displacement, and severe shortages of food, water and medical aid, is deeply distressing.

These are human tragedies that transcend politics, and we unequivocally condemn the barbaric acts that have led to such devastation.

As a local authority, we are not responsible for foreign policy, nor do we control the Surrey Pension Fund.