Issue - meetings

The Executive received an application for a revenue grant from the York Road Project towards the core costs of assisting people who had become homeless in Woking.

Councillor Forster paid tribute to the excellent work carried out by the Project during the pandemic and suggested that the County Councillors lobby Surrey County Council regarding its financial support provided to the Group. 

Following a question regarding the relocation of the Charity to Goldworth Road, the Chief Executive stated that the planning application was in train and the applicant owned the site, which would facilitate a lower cost to the Council.  It was stated that Planning Services was considering the application and hoped that the Planning Committee could determine it at its meeting in January 2021 with an officer recommendation for approval.

Councillor Azad agreed that the work of the York Road Project had been invaluable during the pandemic and was content to work collaboratively with Councillor Forster regarding the important funding provided by the County Council.  The Portfolio Holder for Housing Services, Councillor Harlow, added that it was clear that the work of the Group was excellent and was pleased with the progress of the Next Steps programme to prevent the cycle of homelessness.

RESOLVED

That, subject to the outcome of the Council’s budgetary process, funding of £53,400 be awarded from the Community Grants Budget towards the cost of the service, conditional on the funding from Surrey County Council not ceasing otherwise a review of the funding provided would be required.

Reason:   To enable the York Road Project to continue its existing valued service provision in the Borough.