Issue - meetings

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the Council will continue to work with the GP practice to address their concerns about the building and ensure that it is meeting its responsibilities as landlord and the terms of the lease.

         (ii)   the Portfolio Holder for the Sheerwater Regeneration writes to the North West Surrey Health Alliance and stakeholders regarding the value of health services in Sheerwater and will report back to ward members on the outcome.’

The Mayor welcomed to the meeting three representatives for the petition – Elisabeth Hawkey, Dr Munira Mohamed and Nine Taylor.  Elisabeth introduced the petition following which the Elected Members were given an opportunity to ask questions.

The petition expressed support for a campaign to achieve an improved health centre in Sheerwater through the Council providing a fit-for-purpose building and financial compensation.  It was noted that the provision of a new health centre had been included in the Sheerwater Regeneration Scheme, though the plans had been abandoned in 2023 in light of the Council’s financial position.  The Centre required additional space and an urgent upgrade of its heating system, and the Petitioners further sought an extension of the rent relief provided by the Council since 2019, to the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

The petitioners responded to a range of questions from Councillors, and advised that, without further financial support, the Centre would struggle to recruit staff to continue its support across the community.  It was noted that half of the Centre had been occupied by a dental practice; the practice had subsequently closed, leaving the space in an unusable state.  The space remained vacant but had the potential to provide the Health Centre with room required to meet the needs of residents as the level of demand had increased.

During the debate, Councillor Mumtaz moved and Councillor Johnson seconded the following recommendation:

(i)      the Council will continue to work with the GP practice to address their concerns about the building and ensure that it is meeting its responsibilities as landlord and the terms of the lease; and

(ii)      the Portfolio Holder for the Sheerwater Regeneration writes to the North West Surrey Health Alliance regarding the value of health services in Sheerwater and will report back to ward members on the outcome

Councillor Mumtaz and Councillor Johnson spoke in support of the motion, emphasising the importance of continuing the ongoing engagement with the Centre.  The issues raised, including the vacant area of the building and the heating issues, would be explored further as part of the engagement.  The motion was discussed and Councillor Nicholson suggested the addition of the words ‘and stakeholders’ in (ii) after the words North West Surrey Health Alliance.  The suggestion was welcomed and the Council agreed the revised motion nem con.  It was therefore

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the Council will continue to work with the GP practice to address their concerns about the building and ensure that it is meeting its responsibilities as landlord and the terms of the lease; and

          (ii)   the Portfolio Holder for the Sheerwater Regeneration writes to the North West Surrey Health Alliance and stakeholders regarding the value of health services in Sheerwater and will report back to ward members on the outcome.