Decision details

The Executive received a report stating that Age Concern Woking had submitted an application for a grant of £20,000 for 2018/19 which had not felt to include sufficient justification for the extension of existing services to the community.  It was additionally noted that historically Age Concern Woking had been awarded an annual grant of £5,000 towards its running costs, however at its meeting on 15 December 2016 the Executive had declined a grant award for the 2017/18 financial year due to concerns including the provision of factually incorrect and outdated information regarding service offers.

Councillor I Eastwood advised the Executive that the Group had worked to address the concerns raised last year and was now working more closely with Council Officers.  It was not felt that a grant of £20,000 should be awarded, however Councillor Eastwood requested that consideration be given to a lesser award of £2,000 which would be allocated towards the cost of events and client refreshments.  Councillor D E Hughes endorsed the request for a grant of £2,000 as the funds would directly support the clients of Age Concern Woking. 

Sue Barham, Strategic Director, informed the Executive that isolation amongst older people was one of the main health and wellbeing issues faced by the Council and funds awarded to mitigate the issue would be beneficial.  In addition, the Group had updated its information regarding service offers and was engaging proactively with the wider network of local agencies.

The Executive agreed the award of £2,000 for the 2018/19 financial year with the request that Age Concern Woking continue to work closely with Council Officers.

RESOLVED

That a grant of £2,000 be awarded towards the cost of events held by the Group and client refreshments.

Reason:     The Group has worked to address the concerns previously raised by the Executive and the funds awarded would directly support its clients.