Government Pays Itself £500 Million to Reduce Woking’s Debt But £2 Billion Shortfall Remains

• By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter Crushing debt set to be inherited by hundreds of thousands of West Surrey residents will have a significant chunk taken out of it after the Government officially began the process paying down £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s financial failings.

Today in Guildford, Woking and west Surrey commuter belt

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The local news that matters this morning

Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

SurreyLive — Surrey News · yesterday Surrey villagers' bid to start a parish council clears major hurdle • Englefield Green looks set to gain a parish council despite criticism it adds more tiers of local government just as Surrey looks to simplify

SurreyLive — Surrey News · yesterday Government begins paying £500,000,000 of Woking Borough Council's historic debt • The council owes around £2 billion that would currently be inherited by the new West Surrey authority

Guildford Dragon · yesterday Proposal for New West Surrey Parish Council Poised To Be Approved • By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter While the vexed question as to whether Guildford should have a town council remains undecided, a Surrey village could get its own parish council after a proposal was overwhelmingly backed by residents in a consultation.

University of Surrey news RSS feed · yesterday Andrew King elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences • Andrew King elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences dn0009 Fri, 04/09/2026 - 12:13 Press release Research that has reshaped housing policy and practice for LGBTQ+ people, reaching over 100 social housing providers across the UK and contributing to the development of LGBTQ+ inclusive housing for older people, has earned Professor Andrew King election as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Woking News & Mail · Local news · yesterday Things get Rokky for rapper in Surrey drugs bust • Three men from Surrey and Hampshire have been sentenced for their roles in a drug supply chain operating across the area and neighbouring counties.

Woking News & Mail · Local news · 2 days ago New Surrey Lord-Lieutenant takes up post • Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE DL has officially taken over as Surrey’s Lord-Lieutenant, succeeding Michael More-Molyneux CVO, who retired from the role on September 3.

What's on: next 14 days

A quick-view of 39 public listings happening across Guildford over the next 14 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

10 SepAn Evening with Max Adams Waterstones Guildford

10 & 17 SepBowling for Mental Wellbeing Guildford Spectrum

11 SepBooming Lovelies The Guildford Institute

11 SepDele Sosimi Afrobeat Experience The Boileroom

11 SepHeritage Open Days Festival 2026 - Everyday Histories at The Guildford Institute - FREE EVENT The Guildford Institute

11 SepThe Magic of Ava Beaux: Adult Edition Art & Grind

12 SepThe Art Of Your Womb Workshop: Painting To Reconnect With Your Body New House Art Space

12 SepThe GI Music Lounge - Vic Cracknell Jazz Quartet with special guest Duncan Lamont, Jr The Guildford Institute

13 SepGuildford Antiques and Brocante Market Guildford High Street

13 SepThe Energy Edit: VAYU Studio x NEOM Pilates Experience VAYU Studio

15 SepCommunity Tuesday Coffee Culture

15 SepThe Other Side Of Murder Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

9 & 16 SepSunflower café Guildford Reformed Church

16 SepYouth Theatre: Autumn Term (13-16yrs) Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

17 SepCheese and Wine Pairing – Wine Tasting Workshop The Guildford Institute

18 SepHejira - Jazz Festival University of Surrey

5 SepThe Mantecas Castle Grounds

6 SepNorwood Wind Ensemble - Bandstand Concert Castle Grounds

6 SepOpera on the Balcony The Guildhall

6 SepThe Big Buzz - Family Fun Zone Guildford Pavillion

6 SepThe Big Buzz 26 - Bee-lieve XI v Lashings World XI T20 Cricket Guildford Pavillion

7 SepAn Evening with Meg Mason Waterstones

7 SepExploring Ink and Bleach The Guildford Institute

7 SepLunch Time Jazz: Alan Barnes & David Newton Guildford Institute

8 SepArt for Relaxation Workshop – Drawing Nature The Guildford Institute

8 SepCreative Writing Workshop The Guildford Institute

6, 8, 10, 12 & 17 SepGuildford Story | Guided Walk - Saturday 12 September 2026

13 SepHidden Guildford | Guided Walk - Sunday 13 September 2026

5 SepLaw & Disorder | Guided Walk - Saturday 5 September 2026

15 SepPubs & Inns | Guided Walk - Tuesday 15 September 2026

8 SepLittle Notes: 14mos-2.5yrs Autumn Term Pass Fun-filled music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers Tue 8 Sep 2026

8, 9 & 15 SepOriginal Theatre in association with Theatr Clwyd present The Other Side Of Murder Starring Rufus Hound, Susie Blake & Carla Mendonça Tue 15 Sep 2026 - Sat 19 Sep 2026

8 SepLittle Notes: 2.5-4.5yrs Autumn Term Pass Fun-filled music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers Tue 8 Sep 2026

8 SepLittle Notes: 5-14mos Autumn Term Pass Fun-filled music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers Tue 8 Sep 2026

8 SepLittle Notes: Taster Session 14mos-2.5yrs Tue 8 Sep 2026 - Tue 8 Dec 2026 Fun-filled music classes

8 SepLittle Notes: Taster Session 2.5-4.5yrs Tue 8 Sep 2026 - Tue 1 Dec 2026 Fun-filled music classes

8 SepLittle Notes: Taster Session 5-14mos Tue 8 Sep 2026 - Tue 8 Dec 2026 Fun-filled music classes

9 SepNoonans Mayfair Valuation Days Guildford Valuation Days 2026 Wed 9 Sep 2026 - Wed 28 Oct 2026

16 SepYouth Theatre: Autumn Term (13-16yrs) Wed 16 Sep 2026 Youth Theatre for young people aged 13 to 16 years old.

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Did you know? · Guildford

The Woodbridge Road cricket ground was given to Guildford in trust in 1911 by Sir Harry Waechter. Source →