Bankrupt Woking to get £500m bailout in Surrey council shake-up

The GuardianTuesday, October 28, 2025 at 4:33:26 PM
Bankrupt Woking to get £500m bailout in Surrey council shake-up
In a significant move to stabilize local governance, the UK government has announced a £500 million bailout for the bankrupt Woking council. This unprecedented financial support comes as part of a broader plan to merge several local authorities in Surrey into two new 'mega councils.' Communities Secretary Steve Reed emphasized that this intervention aims to alleviate the debt burden on the former Tory-run council, ensuring better management and services for residents. This development is crucial as it not only addresses Woking's financial crisis but also sets a precedent for future local government restructuring.
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