WOKING Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and community partners to help shape the future of discretionary council services.

These are services the council is not obliged to offer but currently provides, including arts and culture, sports and leisure, and independent living. 

Given the need to bridge an £11 million budget shortfall in 2024-25, difficult decisions are required.

To continue providing discretionary services, the council may need to increase charges, transfer the delivery of services to partners or not provide the service at all.

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, leader of the majority Liberal Democrat council, said: “As part of the council’s improvement and recovery plan, we need to become a smaller organisation focused on delivering core services to residents.

“It is, however, important that we hear the views of local residents and partners on the discretionary services that matter most to you before any decisions are made. Your views will be paramount in determining the future of the discretionary services we provide whilst ensuring best value for the local taxpayer.

“The more feedback we receive, the better informed we will be, so I would strongly encourage you to share your views with us. Together, I hope we will get through this challenging time and become a smaller council that is fit for the future.”

Services such as waste and recycling collections, planning, housing, homelessness and environmental health are statutory services that are required by law and will continue to be provided. Services delivered by Surrey County Council, such as highway maintenance, are not affected.

Residents and partners keen to tell the council their views on discretionary services can do so by visiting Woking Community Forum before the closing date of Thursday, August 10.