Member

On the financial position of the proposed west Surrey unitary authority, we have committed to provide interim financial support—for example, a capitalisation direction—to support west Surrey until the sale of Woking’s legacy assets is complete and a further decision on debt repayment support is made. As we have communicated, we remain committed to achieving best value for money for the taxpayer in the rationalisation of Woking’s assets, and this process may continue past the vesting day. Local authorities are responsible for their own financial management, and local government reorganisation does not change this, but we continue to monitor the financial health of councils on a regular basis using a range of data as well as through extensive direct engagement. We are prepared to engage closely with the new shadow authority on the process of budget setting.