On Wednesday 28th June 2023, Jonathan Lord had the opportunity to ask a question at Prime Minister’s Question Time.
With the financial challenges facing Woking Borough Council at the forefront of residents mind, Jonathan Lord MP asked:
“As my Right. Honourable Friend knows, I am liaising closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Treasury with regard to the terrible news of Woking Council’s recent Section 114 Notice.
Would my right honourable friend agree with me that in this scenario, the vulnerable must be protected and that the local Councillors of all Parties need to work together to try to put Woking Council’s finances back on the right track.”
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, responded and said:
"I know my Honourable friend is a great champion for his Woking residents, and as he knows, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up has intervened in this authority and appointed Commissioners to ensure that decisions are taken that provide the best out outcomes for residents, including the most vulnerable, and indeed, the public purse.
I agree with him that local councillors should be working together with the Commissioners to put the Council's finances in order.
The Commissioners will submit their first report to the Secretary of State setting out progress on the Council's path of improvement and financial sustainability. And I look forward with him to seeing further progress”