As a journalist, I can report that Woking Council, a small home counties authority, has declared bankruptcy with a deficit of £1.2bn. The council’s available core funding for the 2023-24 financial year was only £16m, which was not enough to cover its expenses. The council’s financial position was laid bare, revealing the impact of years of cuts, a £500m shopping centre loan, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

This news highlights the ongoing struggle of local councils in the UK, particularly those run by the Conservative Party, to balance their budgets and provide essential services to their communities. The austerity measures implemented by the Tories have had a significant impact on local councils, leading to cuts in funding for vital services such as social care, education, and housing.

The bankruptcy of Woking Council is a stark reminder of the consequences of austerity policies and the need for a more sustainable approach to local government funding. As a journalist, it is my duty to report on this issue and hold those in power accountable for their actions. I will continue to investigate and report on the impact of austerity on local communities and the need for a fairer and more equitable system of government funding.