A neighbourhood forum is a community-led group that can be formally designated by the council to create a neighbourhood plan or order for a specific area where there is not a town or parish council. 

Designation lasts for 5 years, and the council has received applications for redesignation from Hook Heath, Hoe Valley and Pyrford Neighbourhood Forums. 

The applicants must show their forum continues to meet the conditions for designation, which are outlined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and that it is representative of the community. 

Woking is the business heart of Surrey and the council is pleased to be supporting and presenting at this important event for the town.

Woking Means Business, presented by Woking Chamber of Commerce, is the longest running business expo in Surrey. 

This year, for the first time, it is based at the new Hilton Woking, showcase their extensive conference facilities. The event is also sponsored by the Hilton.

Led by the Leader of Woking Borough Council, Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, the briefings will provide an overview of the decision and its implications for Woking, as well as the government’s intention to provide debt relief totalling £500 million in 2026/27 to support repayment of council debt. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with senior council officers and councillors.

The briefing sessions will be held on the following dates:

The government has announced a significant step forward in Woking Borough Council’s financial recovery, along with changes to the structure of local government in Surrey.

As part of its decision to move forward with the creation of two new unitary councils in Surrey, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has acknowledged that the scale of Woking’s financial challenges cannot be managed locally in full.

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.