Future shape of Woking Council

Woking Council tonight voted to recommend to the Boundary Commission that the Council should have 30 rather than 36 councillors in future.  If the Boundary Commission agrees (and subject to public consultation) it will mean that each council ward will have around 7900 electors and Woking is likely to be split into 10 wards rather than the 17 it has now.

The key Conservative rationale behind this reduction appears to be that other areas with a Conservative majority are doing this and it saves money.

As Liberal Democrat Group Leader I proposed an amendment for a reduction to 33 councillors.  The Liberal Democrats felt this could still save money but would be a more realistic reduction whilst giving more flexibility to reflect natural communities in ward boundaries.  We also suggested the Council look to save money by moving from papers to electronic  materials and posting and sending items by courier less.

Our amendment was rejected.