Will Forster, MP for Woking, secures £500 million debt write off for Woking

As the Liberal Democrat MPs for Woking, Guildford and Surrey Heath, we are glad to finally get confirmation and clarification for council reorganisation in Surrey and the upcoming local elections next year.  

Elections will take place in May 2026, with new councils created in 2027.  

Surrey County Council, and all Borough and District Councils in Surrey will be abolished, and new West Surrey and East Surrey unitary councils will be established. Guildford, Runnymede, Spellthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking will be in the West Surrey Council, stretching from Haslemere to Staines.  

We are determined to work together across Surrey to ensure that this delivers for all local residents. 

However, we continue to have grave concerns over West Surrey’s financial sustainability. At the moment, it could be bankrupt from day one. We will continue to press the Government to ensure that this council won’t start on the back foot.  

Fortunately, the Government have acknowledged this position after endless lobbying and are writing off £500 million of this debt.  

Will Forster, Member of Parliament for Woking, said:  

“This is historic, the Government have never written off a local authority’s debt before. I am relieved that the Government have finally taken my advice and acknowledged that the Conservatives have failed Surrey and are willing to step in so that residents don’t suffer for years to come. 

“Though this won’t write off all the debt, it certainly is a step in the right direction. As Woking’s MP I will continue to push, with my colleagues, to ensure that this council isn’t saddled with historic debts. 

“Also, the Government have conceded that there will be a need for more support in the future.”  

About the upcoming elections Mr Forster added: 

“The cast iron guarantee that I asked for at PMQs has finally arrived, albeit a week later than I had hoped for. I am happy that Surrey residents have their democratic right restored and will be able to go to vote next May.”