Council to close public toilets and end community group grants to help save £8 million

A council has approved more than £8 million of savings, including closing most public toilets, ending grants to voluntary and community groups and the loss of up to 60 staff.

Woking Borough Council (pictured) in Surrey said the decision would support delivery of a balanced budget for the next financial year.

Savings agreed at a council meeting on Thursday evening include scaling back street cleaning, grounds maintenance and economic development services such as business liaison, closing most public toilets, increasing various fees and charges, and losing up to 60 staff.

Council leader Ann-Marie Barker said: “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, whist supporting valued organisations 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’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.

“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 of a balanced budget in March.”

The council declared effective bankruptcy in June last year over a £1.2 billion hole in its budget caused by “extreme” high levels of borrowing as part of its investment strategy.

The authority issued a section 114 notice formally declaring it was unable to deliver a balanced budget with the £16 million it had available for 2023-24.

The Lib Dems have run the council since 2022. Prior to this, the Conservatives were in control and implemented the investment strategy.

Copyright (c) PA Media Ltd. 2024, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Woking Borough Council.