Earlier today, Surrey County Council approved its budget for the coming financial year.  The Lib Dems and other opposition Councillors did not support the budget as it will result in residents paying more for less.

‪Local Council Taxpayers will face an inflation busting Council Tax rise – a Band D Council Tax bill in Woking will now increase to £1,954.53.‬

The Lib Dems and I have slammed the increases, as we think that residents are being asked to ‘pick up the tab’ for financial mismanagement by the Conservatives at County Hall.

For yet another year running, the Tories are proposing an above inflation Council Tax increase.  I know many households are already struggling with the cost of living and this tax hike will hit those on fixed incomes hardest and be unaffordable for many.

This Council Tax increase is likely to only be a sticking plaster for the very real problems facing the county.  Surrey County Council is looking at an £86 million shortfall in the budget next year and is cutting public services left, right and centre – such as cuts to social care and to closing 31 Children’s Centres, 5 of the 7 in Woking Borough.  During the budget meeting, the Leader of the Council confirmed that cuts to buses and libraries are on their way.