Last week, the Liberal Democrats running Woking Borough Council agreed proposals that will deliver over £8 million in Council service-related savings – the decision will support the delivery of a balanced budget for the next financial year.

During the meeting, I was pleased Councillors agreed my amendment to the budget for an additional package of support for Citizens Advice Woking which will assist them in finding alternative financial streams and transition away from Council funding.

In addition to already planned £179,000 financial and in-kind support to Citizens Advice, thanks to my amendment the Council will also now offer a further £50,000 to Citizens Advice.

The Lib Dems have been very clear that the financial crisis we face is complex and cannot be resolved in the short-term. Adoption of these proposals is an important first step towards our objective to live within our means and return Woking to long-term financial sustainability.

We have listened to resident feedback and looked for innovative solutions wherever possible. We have found a way to keep Pool in the Park open, put in place arrangements for community groups to take ownership of important facilities, whilst supporting valued organisations to transition away from Council funding to achieve their own long-term sustainability.

I particularly welcome the improved financial package for Citizens’ Advice Woking who do great work to support the most vulnerable in our Borough. I know many residents had strong views about the impact of any reduction in funding, so I welcome a way for residents, who can, to show their support by financially contributing towards Citizens’ Advice Woking through the Woking Community Fund and support the Borough’s voluntary sector.

I’m also pleased to confirm that Woking Community Transport will provide a day care service to Hale End Court and, a reduced but equally highly valued, dial-a-ride service for 2024/25. This would be reviewed annually as part of the council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

These services have been secured within the budget proposed tonight and shows a strong, resilient and well-established partnership that is collectively focused on the needs of residents.

I know residents will find any reduction in services difficult at this time. These are decisions I did not want to make. However, they are necessary to ensure that the Council can continue to provide essential services to residents whilst supporting the delivery a balanced budget in March.