Residents invited to help shape future of West Surrey Council
Residents across Woking and the West Surrey area are being invited to have their say on the future priorities of the new West Surrey Council and help shape how services will be delivered from April 2027.
As preparations continue for the launch of the new council on 1 April 2027, the organisation is developing a long-term plan for the future which will guide services, investment and the outcomes it wants to achieve for local people and communities.
Residents, businesses, community groups and local organisations are being encouraged to share their views on the draft strategies and priorities, including what matters most in their local area, what is working well and where improvements are needed.
West Surrey Council will be responsible for a wide range of services that support everyday life, from helping vulnerable children and adults, maintaining roads, supporting local businesses and communities, to planning for new homes and infrastructure, protecting the environment and ensuring residents can access the services they need.
People can take part through an online survey until midnight on Sunday 15 November.
A programme of local drop-in events will also take place across Woking and the West Surrey area, giving residents the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with representatives from the new councils. Events in Woking will be held on:
- Friday 23 October, 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm: Woking Library
- Wednesday 28 October, 11am to 2pm: Goldsworth Park Shopping Centre
- Friday 6 November, 10am to 3pm: Woking Means Business exhibition (free entry), Hilton Hotel
- Thursday 12 November, 10.30am to 1.30pm: Woking Voluntary Sector Fair (free entry), Woking Leisure Centre
Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of West Surrey Shadow Authority, said:
The creation of West Surrey Council is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a council around the needs of residents, communities and businesses.
We want West Surrey to be a place where people thrive, communities flourish, opportunity is shared and residents can trust their council to deliver. As we develop the council's vision and priorities, it is important they reflect what matters most to local people.
We're asking residents for their views on our draft ambitions for West Surrey: a place where people can access the homes, opportunities and support they need; where communities and businesses can thrive; and where a trusted, well-run council listens, delivers and makes the best use of residents' money.
Like councils across the country, we will face significant financial challenges from day one. That makes it even more important that we understand local priorities and focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact. Whether you complete the survey online or attend one of our events, your views will help shape the future direction of the new council and the services it provides.