It is likely to be a tough and frightening time over the next few days, weeks and months as the coronavirus crisis continues. It is vital we all take this incredibly seriously and follow the advice being given. As a local councillor, I want to make sure everyone in Woking is aware of where to […]

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 […]

Last week, it was revealed that the cost of temporary staff at Surrey County Council is £2.5 million.  The news comes at a time when the Council are proposing a number of cuts to essential services, affecting bus subsidies, Children’s Centres, Community Recycling Centres and libraries. Prior to the appointment of new Chief Executive, Joanna […]

Cabinet papers released yesterday by Surrey County Council reveal the outcomes of recent consultations carried out in relation to a number of essential services provided by the Council. The public consultations were based on a set of proposals for five service areas: Children’s Centres, Community Recycling Centres, concessionary bus travel, libraries and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. The […]

During yesterday’s Surrey County Council meeting, my Lib Dem colleagues and I voted against proposals put forward by the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) that recommended a £10,000 be paid to Deputy Cabinet Members, a set of roles only introduced by the Conservative Leader of the Council in May. It is interesting to note that […]

On the same day as the Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer said in the Budget that austerity is coming to an end, Tory-run Surrey County Council announced that it will consult the public on plans to cut bus passes, Children’s Centres, Community Recycling Centres, libraries and services for people with special educational needs and disabilities. […]

My Lib Dem colleagues at County Hall and I have criticised the ruling Conservative administration for recruiting a new “Business Manager” post, on a salary of more than £43,000, when at the same time planning hundreds of staff redundancies and millions of pounds of cuts to front line services. The advert, which has appeared on […]