Government has published the latest report from Commissioners appointed to oversee improvement at Woking Borough Council, following intervention in May 2023.

In the report prepared for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Commissioners confirm that the council’s Improvement and Recovery Plan (IRP) is now at an advanced stage of completion.

Key points from the report include:

• Significant progress made against value-for-money criteria, demonstrating improvements in economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Many services are operating effectively as business-as-usual, following sustained improvements in culture, ways of working and service delivery.
• Finance remains a challenge but has moved from a recovery to an improvement journey with the Government’s commitment to provide Exceptional financial Support, continued delivery of the council’s asset disposal programme and company divestment.
• Housing improvements include the adoption of a 30 year Housing Revenue Account business plan and improvements in housing safety, management, tenant engagement and overall service culture.

The IRP will now be streamlined to prioritise the commercial and housing themes that require closer oversight and scrutiny.

The completion of the council’s IRP is on track to conclude in March 2027.

Lead Commissioner, Sir Tony Redmond, said: “Woking has made significant progress, and the Improvement and Recovery Plan is now at an advanced stage of completion with the fundamental governance weaknesses that led to historic failings largely eliminated.

“This progress enables our work to be refined, with our attention now focused on the areas that still require further oversight. Commissioners will continue to monitor progress across the whole programme to ensure that improvements are firmly embedded and sustained.

“Local Government Reorganisation brings its own challenges, but the council is making every effort to be fit-for-purpose and ready to meet the future Best Value standards set for the new West Surrey Unitary Authority.

“We will continue to support the council’s improvement work while engaging with the West Surrey Joint Committee and with the Shadow Authority once it is established, as appropriate.”

Read the Commissioners’ sixth report.

Read the Ministerial response.