Liberal Lockdown and Beyond

On Wednesday 7 June 2023, the Section 151 Officer and Interim Director of Finance issued Woking Borough Council with a Section 114 Notice in response to the unprecedented financial challenges facing the authority.In previous podcasts Lib Dem Councillors Peter Graves and Dale Roberts have discussed the prospects of WBC being issued with a Section 114 notice.  Now that such a notice has been formally issued how is it going to affect the residents of Woking?  Whilst much will depend upon the findings of the accountants Councillor Roberts identifies some of the ideas being explored which will result in Woking Council being a successful local authority and less of a failing bank.  Service redesign, good value for money, resident engagement, openness and transparency of decision making are all part of the mix.Support the show

Dr Swati Mukherjee, a paediatric surgeon, a senior director in biotechnology and mother of 2 boys is the Lib Dem candidate for the Horsell Ward on 4th May.Swati talks to Cllr Peter Graves about her life, achievements and ambitions for Woking.Support the show

Steve Greentree was a senior executive in the biotech industry and talks about how he wants to apply the customer focussed approach that was so successful in his business life to help the residents of Knaphill. Steve talks to Cllr Peter Graves about his life, achievements and ambitions.Support the show

Pyrford resident, father of 2 sons, world record holder, ocean rower, business owner, keen cyclist, fit energetic campaigner and compassionate supporter of those less able to help themselves.Chris talks to Cllr Peter Graves about his life, achievements and ambitions and reveals some surprising and candid stories about himself.Support the show

The Woking Examiner's Cllr Peter Graves, asks Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulations,  Cllr Liam Lyons, to explain:What are the benefits of a town centre Masterplan?Does Woking have such a plan?Is the choice as simple as "build up" or "build out"?Can Woking meet its building targets for affordable homes?When did Woking start preparing a Masterplan? Can National Planning Inspectors over rule a Local Planning Committee decision?What is the Council's next step?Support the show

In this episode we continue the examination of Woking Borough Council's finances and try to find answers to questions such as:Can WBC go bankrupt? What are the implications of a Section 114 notice?What is DLUHC?What are the Lib Dems doing to sort out the problems?How long will it take to sort out the problems?Support the show

This episode of The Woking Examiner tries to answer three questionsWith borrowing commitments standing at £2.4 billion how did Woking Borough Council end up with such huge loans?With annual loan repayments of £60 million and climbing and Council Tax income of £10 million how does it make ends meet?  Does it actually make ends meet?Woking Lib Dem Councillor Peter Graves takes a close look at the inner workings of WBC's finances with fellow Councillor and Finance Portfolio Holder Dale Roberts. Support the show

Politicians today are creating a growing gap between what they say and what they do. The result is an increasing lack of trust in politics.  “Fide et Diligentia”. This is the motto of Woking Borough Council. It means ‘Faith and Diligence.’ Ironic, given how the Tory-led council have been making decisions. It’s no surprise that politicians are seen as less trustworthy than bankers when they bypass formal processes and obfuscate the findings of independent reports. They insist they want to be transparent but time and again fail to be anything other than opaque.  The Lib Dem-led Overview and Scrutiny Committee are tasked with holding the Tory-led council executive to account and ensuring the decisions made are in the interests of Woking residents. In this episode of the popular Lib Dem podcast series, Adam Kirby and Dale Roberts explore the Lib Dem successes and the challenges they faced when trying to hold the Tory-led council to account.  They analyse how the Lib Dem-led Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed a council project, exposed a dubious £250m loan and uncovered governance failures and give their views on how to rebuild trust in politicians. They raise 3 important questions: How many other Tory-led projects have been carried out with such poor governance? How can we have confidence that we are getting value for money? Is democracy in Woking under threat from this behaviour?  And offer clear solutions that would be actioned by a Lib Dem administration: Welcome scrutiny and learn lessons from it Apply the principles of openness, transparency and financial prudence. Be judged by our actions not our promises. Time for change on 6th May – Your Town, Your Future, Your Vote. Vote Lib Dems. As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Materials referred to in this podcast are available in links below.    Woking Borough Council Meeting discussing the implementation of a Scrutiny Report involving, amongst other things, the £250 million loan. Independent Inspector’s Report confirming the findings of the Scrutiny Report. The WBC Executive Report on the Independent Inspector’s Report Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

Serious managerial incompetence by senior Tory Councillors is identified in the independent inspector's "Report on Woking Football Club and Associated Development - 15 December 2020". The report clearly identifies many very important issues for all Woking voters.  Woking Borough Council granted a £250 million loan to a property developer and has been found to have inadequate paperwork to support the deal, not having taken appropriate legal advice and kept secret information that should have been in the public domain.  In this podcast we ask how did this happen and who was responsible for such an extraordinary scale of incompetence.  Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Lib Dem Group on Woking Borough Council and a Goldsworth Park Councillor, suggests answers to these crucial questions.This is the second episode in our Woking Spotlight series, and definitely not our last. Residents have the right to know about the decisions impacting them for years to come!As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Inspector’s report: Report on Woking Football Club and Associated Development Support the show

Jobs for Tory pals and weak management of Woking Borough Council officers by the Conservative leadership.   Independent LGA (Local Government Association) reports in 2015 and 2019 highlight poor management practice and managerial incompetence by the Woking Tories. These have been hidden and ignored. Adam Kirby and Dale Roberts probe the details in Woking Spotlight.  Incompetence, mismanagement, cronyism and dubious dealings by Tories at national government level are being repeated at local government level in Woking. Recommended changes in the management of Woking Borough Council have not been implemented. These failings and the total lack of accountability and scrutiny are now exposed. Woking Tories are in crisis mode.  In this first episode of our Woking Spotlight mini-series, Graham Chrystie, a retired lawyer, now Woking Lib Dem Councillor and Chair of the WBC Planning Committee, exposes the incompetence of those running your borough. Please subscribe for more reports on how your Woking council really works. As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media.  Email: Info@WokingLibDems.org.uk  Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/  Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems  Support the show

Our NHS is bearing the brunt of this pandemic.  Would the system collapse with the influx of COVID-19 patients?  What about cancer patients requiring regular treatment or those booked for routine operations?  Ellen Nicholson is a nurse, health researcher for the Liberal Democrats and chair of the General Practice Nurse Forum for the Royal College of Nursing.  If that wasn’t enough, she’s our 2021 candidate for Mount Hermon & Woking South East.  Ellen, interviewed by Adam Kirby and Dale Roberts, talks us through the digital appointment revolution, her thoughts on herd immunity and the incredible work going on behind the scenes to keep the NHS serving those who need it most. ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show.  You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media.  We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

Unnecessary packaging and unsustainable products are intertwined with our everyday lives. It doesn’t have to be this way: Re-fill your shampoo bottles, don’t throw them away! Swap to the metal straws, bamboo toothbrushes and reusable menstrual products that are filling our shelves. Mel Hemmings, founder of Woking’s first zero waste shop, Bare + Fair, joins us to share her eco-friendly top tips for consumers and businesses alike. Bare + Fair: https://bareandfair.co The Woking Liberal Democrats are not affiliated with Bare + Fair, but admire the story and ethos of those involved. ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdemsSupport the show

Caring about our climate means: shunning single-use plastic, caring for local wildlife, gardening, walking and cycling. This week we hear from Woking’s equivalent of Sir David Attenborough who is doing all of these, and more! Tune in to hear Norman Johns provide environment inspiration with live local projects he’s involved in. Woking Environmental Action Group: https://wokingla21.wordpress.com. Woking Cycle Users’ Group https://www.wokingcycle.org.uk Green Liberal Democrats https://greenlibdems.org.uk/en/ Woking Borough Council - Nature & Sustainability Initiatives https://www.woking.gov.uk/nature-and-sustainability ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

Is your neighbour’s dog driving you barking mad? What about their trees invading your freshly-pruned garden? Dale Roberts, a Lib Dem candidate and local community mediator shares his advice for preventing and resolving neighbourly disputes. We discuss how politicians should talk less and listen more to transform the effectiveness of government.  Mediation Surrey: https://mediationsurrey.org  ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or through our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

It’s official. The UK is in the worst recession for decades. The words “2020 is a write-off for us” are echoed by many local businesses up and down the country. This week we talk to the President of Woking Chamber of Commerce and owner of Field’s Car Centre in Woking, Richard Field. He tells us how his team transformed the services they offered to ensure customers remain safe and on the road, expresses his thoughts on the future of business in Woking and where to get commercial advice and support. You can find out more about the Woking Chamber of Commerce and further advice by visiting https://www.wokingchamber.org.uk. Details of his garage are available online at https://fields-carcentre.co.uk. ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdemsSupport the show

It’s not just the nation’s physical health that is being ruined by this virus. Chief Executive of Woking Mind, Tony Bennett, reveals the impacts that the past few months have had, and will continue to have, on our mental health. He also highlights how to recognise when you or those around you may need support and how to access local services. Remember – we're all in this together, in the same storm albeit in different boats. You can find out more about the organisation and further advice by visiting https://wokingmind.org.uk or by calling them directly on 07801931831.****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.ukWebsite: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

Woking’s homeless population has tripled during the pandemic. CEO of the York Road Project, Cath Stamper joins us to discuss this along with the change in the homeless demographic, establishing direct links with other groups to expand the support available and her positivity for the future with the country’s first purpose-built homeless accommodation. You can find out more about the project and support it using the link below:https://www.yorkroadproject.org.uk ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

How have parents summoned their inner teacher? In part one of this two-part discussion on education, we talk to some of Woking’s parents affected by the lockdown. Our guests share their stories of veering off-syllabus with DIY science experiments and conference-call mishaps, to the vast differences in support provided by different schools. A huge thanks to Karen, Heidi, Jacqui, Amanda and Claire for sharing their home-schooling wins, a newfound appreciation for teachers and concerns for the future.The second part of this double bill will feature an interview with a local educator, to follow up with a view from the other side -- what do teachers think? ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

Continuing on from part 1, this time you’ll hear about Woking’s transition back from bedrooms to classrooms. We’re continuing with the topic of education but from the view of a local educator and current Woking Borough Councillor for Mount Hermon, Liam Lyons. Differences in access to technology, the impact on exams, returning to school and empowering teachers are just some of the topics we discussed with our guest.  ****************************** As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and feedback about the show. You can reach out to us using the email address below, or at our social media. We read all your comments and may include yours in an upcoming episode! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and FOLLOW us on social media. Email: Liberal.Lockdown@WokingLibDems.org.uk Website: https://wokinglibdems.org.uk/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokingLD/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/wokinglibdems Support the show

After 12 weeks of the lockdown provoked by the Covid-19 pandemic two Woking Liberal Democrat candidates highlight some of the major challenges, inspiring stories and future opportunities facing the people of Woking. They are in listening and exploring mode as they share what is happening in Woking during this extraordinary time. Contact them by email - Louise.McElhinney@wokinglibdems.org.uk - or - Adam.Kirby@wokinglibdems.org.uk - to share your experiences in writing or by appearing in one of their podcasts.Support the show