Waverley Borough Council’s Executive has welcomed a positive progress report showing strong delivery across all five of the council’s corporate priorities.
The report, presented to the Executive on 10 February, confirms the council is on track, or has already completed the vast majority of its commitments, with clear improvements being delivered for residents, businesses and communities across the borough.
Leader of Waverley Borough Council, Councillor Paul Follows, said:
“This progress report shows that Waverley Borough Council is delivering real results for our communities - from tackling climate change and supporting local businesses, to improving health, building affordable homes and keeping people safe.”
A more sustainable borough
Waverley is committed to becoming a carbon‑neutral council by 2030, and is turning that ambition into practical action.
Over the past year the council has completed major energy‑efficiency upgrades at Woolmer Hill Pavilion, including air‑source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. These improvements are reducing carbon emissions, cutting running costs and moving the building closer to carbon neutrality.
Along with Guildford Borough Council, Waverley is also one of the first councils in the country to introduce internal carbon pricing, ensuring environmental impacts are factored into everyday decisions and business cases.
Work to promote cleaner air and safer travel has continued, with new cycle and scooter parking installed at local schools to support active travel and reduce congestion. Meanwhile, the council’s Go Green for Business scheme is offering free expert advice to help small and medium‑sized businesses cut their environmental impact while growing sustainably.
A more prosperous borough
The council continues to strengthen the local economy and support vibrant town centres.
Training and skills opportunities have expanded through new partnerships that give residents, employees and voluntary groups access to flexible learning, helping boost employment, productivity and career progression.
The council works closely with Business Improvement Districts in Cranleigh, Farnham and Godalming, along with town and parish councils, to support local businesses, increase footfall and respond quickly to economic challenges.
Targeted support for key sectors, including the creative industries, visitor economy and rural enterprises, is helping ensure prosperity reaches every corner of the borough.
A more inclusive borough
Promoting health, wellbeing and inclusion remains at the heart of the council’s work.
Council leisure centres recorded nearly 700,000 visits over the past year, with thousands of residents taking part in targeted programmes to reduce health inequalities. Through the Active Communities Plan, Waverley has supported cardiac rehabilitation, free memberships for people with Parkinson’s, SEN swimming sessions, youth activity programmes and a wide range of NHS-linked rehabilitation classes.
The Thriving Communities Commissioning Fund continues to strengthen local organisations, backing cultural, wellbeing and community projects that help people stay active, connected and supported.
Through the Safer Waverley Partnership, the council is working closely with police and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour, support victims and ensure residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods.
Decent and affordable homes
Ensuring access to safe, high‑quality and affordable housing remains a key priority.
Since April 2025, the council has delivered 47 new affordable, energy‑efficient council homes, helping meet local housing needs. The first homes at Turners Mead in Chiddingfold have now been completed and let, demonstrating that high sustainability standards can be achieved alongside sensitive design.
Significant investment is also being made in existing council homes, supported by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, improving energy efficiency, comfort and affordability for tenants.
The report also highlights Waverley’s strong record in preventing homelessness, with early intervention, partnership working and tailored support helping hundreds of households avoid or move out of homelessness.
A resilient and well‑managed council
The council continues to strengthen governance, financial management and organisational resilience while maintaining high‑quality frontline services.
Collaboration with Guildford Borough Council has expanded, with joint services operating in areas including Legal, Regulatory Services and People & Organisational Development. This approach reduces duplication, improves resilience and delivers better value for residents.
Resident engagement has also seen major improvements, with thousands of people participating in consultations on key projects, planning matters and the future of local government.
Investment in modern technology – including upgrades to parking systems across council car parks – is improving customer experience, supporting town centres and providing better data for future decision-making.
Councillor Follows, continued:
“The council has an enviable track record of delivering for our residents. With our refreshed Delivery Plan currently being prepared, we are absolutely committed to leaving the strongest possible legacy for Waverley, as we prepare for the next phase of local government.”