Agenda and minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey GU21 6YL
Contact: Doug Davern on 01483 743018 or email doug.davern@woking.gov.uk
Media
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Minutes To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 6 February 2020 as published. Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 6 February 2020 be approved and signed as a true and correct record. |
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Apologies for Absence Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Bittleston. As Vice-Chairman, Councillor Azad chaired the meeting in his absence. |
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Urgent Business To consider any business that the Chairman rules may be dealt with under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no items of Urgent Business under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive declarations of interest from Members and Officers in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Davis declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 53, Woking District Scouts (Handicamp) – Application for Financial Assistance, arising from his membership of the Scout Association. The interest was such that speaking and voting were permissible. In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Kemp declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 23, LCAG Lift Up Together and Little Minions – Application for Financial Assistance, due to being to the Chairman of the Group in his position as a Council representative. The interest was such that speaking and voting were permissible. In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Forster declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6, Applications for Financial Assistance 2020-21, arising from his role as President of Woking Mind. The interest was such that speaking was permissible. In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Forster declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 38, The Club at Old Woking - Application for Financial Assistance, arising from his role as a Trustee of the Old Woking Community Centre. The interest was such that speaking was permissible. |
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Questions Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman welcomed Mr Andy Caulfield who had submitted questions under Section 3 of the Executive Procedure Rules regarding the proposed Westfield redevelopment. Questions had also been submitted by Ms Rachel Williams who was not present at the meeting. A copy of the questions together with the replies was before the Executive. The Chairman confirmed the replies, supplementary questions were asked by the questioner present and replies given. The questioner not present would be sent a copy of the replies to her questions. |
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Applications for Financial Assistance 2020-21 EXE19-046 PDF 137 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: The Chairman and Portfolio Holder for Grants to Voluntary Organisations, Councillor Azad, introduced the report which set out the grant applications received as part of the Community Support Scheme 2020/21, noting that the recommended funding totalled £911,872 of the available revenue budget, with a further £10,000 to be ringfenced. In addition, the recommendations for capital or one-off applications equated to £200,509 from the Community Fund. The Chairman noted that the high level of support from Woking Borough Council showed its ongoing commitment to supporting the voluntary sector, which included grant funding, accommodation, concessionary rent, discretionary rate relief, parking spaces and the provision of advice. The total value of the Council’s support for the voluntary sector for the coming year was estimated to be £1,967,704, which was significantly higher than any other local authority in Surrey. The importance of Groups undertaking joint working with the Council was noted along with the ongoing constraints on Council budgets which required the community groups to prepare for possible funding reductions each year. The Groups were encouraged to pursue other sources of available funding and to liaise with the Council’s Community Development team. Following a question by Councillor Forster, it was noted that the overall revenue budget had been held at the same level for several years, with a reduction in 2018/19 to accommodate the transfer of Woking Association of Voluntary Service into the Council due to a grant award no longer being required. Councillor Kemp stated that the level of support provided by the Council continued to be very high, particularly in comparison with other local authorities in the County. Attention was drawn to the application from Woking Mind and it was noted that the application had been deferred to a future meeting of the Executive to enable further time for the purpose of the grant to be explored by officers in consultation with the Group, as the transfer of Cornerhouse into Woking Mind was being completed. It was expected that any recommendation for funding would be through a service budget as opposed to a grant award. The Chairman thanked Officers for their work in the preparation of the reports before the Executive. RESOLVED That (i) the report be noted; (ii) Officers work with Woking Mind to fully understand the Charity’s requirements for the coming year, with the intention of bringing a report with a funding proposal to a future meeting of the Executive; (iii) any unused funds remaining in the budget from the 2020/21 financial year be transferred to the Community Fund; and (iv) the allocation of funding of £10,000 to the Woking Asian Business Forum to manage the Alpha Road Community Hall (ARCH) be noted. Reason: To determine financial support for voluntary and community organisations through the Council’s Community Grants Scheme for the 2020/21 financial year. |
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Age Concern Woking - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-111 PDF 97 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received the application for funding from Age Concern Woking. Following a question by Councillor Forster as to cross-over work with Friends of the Elderly, also requesting financial assistance, it was noted that the issue of loneliness amongst older people was addressed by both organisations as part of their befriending work. It was stated that the Groups liaised with the Council’s Home Independence Manager who has supported both organisations in her consultee comments, on the basis that the work helps to meet a growing need. In the event that both submitted funding requests next year, the Manager would consider whether it remained beneficial to maintain the current service level for Woking residents. RESOLVED That funding of £2,000 capital from the Community Fund and £3,000 revenue be agreed towards the core costs of Age Concern Woking for 2020/21. Reason: To continue to support the unique services for the elderly in the coming year. |
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Boom Credit Union - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-068 PDF 108 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received an application for funding from Boom Credit Union. Following a question it was noted that there were no plans to relocate the Credit Union once its existing unit was no longer available following the Sheerwater Regeneration Scheme. Councillor Forster stated that it would be beneficial for the Credit Union to continue to be available in Sheerwater or an alternative priority area. Ray Morgan added that Boom Credit Union would be invited to a meeting of the Sheerwater Regeneration Delivery Board to provide a presentation on its work and plans going forward in the area. RESOLVED That a grant of £12,400 be awarded to assist with the costs of the Sheerwater Office. Reason: To continue to support the service for the benefit of the residents of the Borough of Woking. |
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Browns Community Services CIC - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-075 PDF 111 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Cherry Trees - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-104 PDF 116 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Citizens Advice Woking - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-086 PDF 141 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received a report on the application for funding from Citizens Advice Woking. Councillor Harlow and Councillor Hussain referred to the Guildford County Court Help Desk, stating that the service was greatly valued in the community as it helped people who were potentially facing homelessness. Councillor Harlow proposed and Councillor Azad seconded an amendment proposing that the level of funding should be increased from £2,000 to £10,000 as requested by the Organisation. The Executive agreed the amendment, with the additional £8,000 to be allocated from the Community Fund on a one-off basis for the 2020/21 financial year. That (i) core funding of £218,000 be awarded to continue to support the core service of Citizens’ Advice Woking; (ii) funding of £10,000 be awarded towards the costs of the Guildford County Court Help Desk; (iii) funding of £11,500 be awarded to ensure the continuation of the Financial Capability programme; and (iv) the Council continues to cover the service charge for the accommodation at Provincial House, which for 2020/21 will be circa £53,000. Reason: To enable the organisation to provide its services to Woking residents. |
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Community Advice Forum - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-084 PDF 95 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Coram Life Education - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-095 PDF 114 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Crossroads Care Surrey - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-064 PDF 103 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Friends of the Elderly - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-099 PDF 128 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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GASP Motor Project - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-076 PDF 103 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a grant award of £4,950 be awarded towards the provision of basic motor mechanics after-school courses in the Borough for young people who are at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Reason: To assist young people in the Borough who may be disengaged with school to develop their skills and aspirations in basic motor mechanics. |
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Headway Surrey - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-089 PDF 95 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Home-Start Runnymede and Woking - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-087 PDF 120 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Hungarian School Woking - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-109 PDF 85 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Imago Dei Prison Ministry - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-055 PDF 107 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Intergenerational Music Making - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-070 PDF 122 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received a report on the application for financial assistance from Intergenerational Music Making which proposed that only the capital element of the grant request for £900 towards the purchase of equipment be approved, as the Council could not always support each application received due to budgetary constraints. Councillor Ashall spoke in support of the application and stated that the work taking place was unique and valued by the young and elderly people who had participated in the sessions. Following discussion, it was agreed that the revenue funding equating to £6,000 should also be awarded from the Community Fund on a one-off basis, with a request for monitoring from the Group so that the outcomes could be evaluated. RESOLVED That a one-off capital contribution of £6,900 be awarded from the Council’s Community Fund towards the revenue costs of the Making Musical Bridges programme as set out in the application, along with the costs of purchasing equipment including music packs, parachutes and scarves. Reason: To enable the Council to establish the benefits of the programme amongst the participants from care homes and local schools during the year ahead. |
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Isha Foundation - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-108 PDF 100 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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LCAG Lift Up Together and Little Minions - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-077 PDF 115 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Let's Read Ltd - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-054 PDF 107 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Maybury and Sheerwater Community Trust - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-092 PDF 120 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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New Life Church - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-100 PDF 115 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Outline - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-066 PDF 116 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That (i) a revenue grant of £6,000 be awarded towards the cost of running the helpline and the support group; and (ii) a one-off capital grant of up to a maximum of £1,000 be awarded from the Community Fund towards the costs of a new laptop, furniture and cordless telephone headsets. Reason: To provide support for the organisation and its operating costs. |
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Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-090 PDF 110 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Relate West Surrey - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-071 PDF 117 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Sight for Surrey - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-097 PDF 112 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received a report on the application for funding from Sight for Surrey. Councillor Harlow referred to the part of the grant application relating to the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, based at St. Peter’s Hospital, and suggested that this portion of the application should be supported due to residents from Woking potentially benefitting from the service. The grant application set out two options – either a half day for a year or a full day for a period of six months – and the half day option for a year was supported. It was further suggested that the funding of £350 towards the Swimming Event at the Pool in the Park for visually impaired people should be awarded, instead of being negotiated separately with Freedom Leisure. The total grant award proposed – £3,300 – would be allocated from the Community Fund. Councillor Harlow proposed and Councillor Cundy seconded an amendment based on the suggestions, namely that funding of £3,300 should be awarded towards the work of the Mobile Sight and Hearing Bus in Woking, the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer and the Swimming Event for those with a visual impairment. The amendment was welcomed and it was RESOLVED That funding of £3,300 be awarded towards the work of the Mobile Sight and Hearing Bus in Woking, the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer and the Swimming Event for those with a visual impairment. Reason: To enable visually impaired residents in Woking to benefit from the range of services provided by Sight for Surrey. |
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Surrey Care Trust - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-088 PDF 102 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care Ltd - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-085 PDF 99 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-110 PDF 119 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be invited to establish a small Group of Members to scrutinise the proposals of the Partnership and investigate whether the proposals should be considered as part of the Council’s service provision. Reason: The opportunities to support the proposals through other means, namely service provision, to be fully explored in view of the positive comments of the consultees. |
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Surrey North Area Cruse Bereavement Care - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-098 PDF 98 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Surrey Welfare Rights Unit - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-059 PDF 100 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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TALK Surrey CIO - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-103 PDF 96 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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The Brigitte Trust - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-065 PDF 105 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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The Club at Old Woking - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-102 PDF 94 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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The Counselling Partnership - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-069 PDF 92 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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The Lightbox - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-093 PDF 106 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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The Lighthouse - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-078 PDF 109 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a grant of £18,200 be awarded towards operational costs. Reason: To enable the charity to continue to engage with a high number of users from Woking including those from different cultural backgrounds and ages, with its broad and diverse offer of support for the community and for people in Woking who need help. |
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The Maybury Centre Trust - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-074 PDF 115 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That (i) a one-off capital grant of 50% of the total cost up to a maximum of £4,000 be awarded from the Community Fund towards the purchase of a commercial oven and dishwasher, office equipment, extra storage shed and garden equipment; and (ii) a revenue grant of £33,683 be awarded towards the costs of the Maybury Centre (£4,683), the Liaise Women's Centre (£15,000), and the Schoolhouse Project (£14,000). Reason: To enable the Centre to continue in providing its services, including the management of the Schoolhouse Project and the Liaise Women’s Centre. |
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The Useful Wood Company - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-079 PDF 108 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That (i) no revenue funding be awarded for the coming year; and (ii) a one-off capital award of £13,000 be approved for the purchase of a van. Reason: The Council is not in a position to provided significant revenue funding for the new project. However, it is in a position to support the purchase of a van, recognising the importance transport plays in the aims and objectives of the Charity. |
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Transform Housing and Support - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-107 PDF 92 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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West Surrey Mediation Service - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-062 PDF 107 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a grant of £4,000 be awarded towards the running costs of the service. Reason: To enable the mediation service to be available for residents of the Borough. |
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Wishel Lawn Tennis Club - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-105 PDF 93 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a grant of 50% of the costs of replacing the lighting units at Wishel Lawn Tennis Club be awarded up to a maximum of £11,133. Reason: To support the Club in its endeavours to improve the playing facilities and reduce the Club’s costs through the adoption of energy efficient flood lighting. |
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Woking and District Men's Shed - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-101 PDF 90 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive received the report on the application for a grant from Woking and District Men’s Shed, which proposed that the Group should liaise with Ward Councillors from Byfleet and West Byfleet to explore the possibility of seeking funds for the purchase of two new sheds at Anchor Homes West Hall care home through the Ward’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. Councillor Forster stated that he was disappointed that the recommendation was not to award any funds from the Community Fund and suggested that the Executive should consider linking match funding with the approach for CIL funding. Following discussion, it was noted that Members were supportive of the objectives of the Group under the theme of helping to mitigate loneliness amongst older men. However the preference remained for the Group to pursue the possibility of funding through the CIL funds held for Byfleet and West Byfleet. RESOLVED That the applicant be advised to pursue alternative sources of capital one-off funding, in particular it is suggested that the Group should be encouraged to discuss the proposals with the Ward Councillors for Byfleet and West Byfleet to explore the possibility of seeking CIL funding. Reason: To ensure the Group explores alternative sources of funding for this community-based project rather than seek a further one-off capital award from the Community Grants Scheme. |
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Woking and Sam Beare Hospices - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-091 PDF 124 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That funding be awarded at the requested level of £3,200 towards hydrotherapy sessions for its Woking-based members. Reason: The provision of accessible hydrotherapy sessions will help those in the Borough living with Parkinson’s to maintain a level of mobility and pain relief for as long as possible, and is in line with the identified priority areas in the Council’s Health and Well Being Strategy. |
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Woking Blackhawks Basketball Club - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-080 PDF 86 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking Community Transport (Bustler) - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-081 PDF 120 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking District Scouts (Handicamp) - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-067 PDF 95 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking People of Faith - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-063 PDF 103 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking Shopmobility - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-113 PDF 94 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking Street Angels - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-058 PDF 101 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woking Strokeability - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-072 PDF 93 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a grant of £1,000 be awarded for 2020/21 towards the costs of offering free transport to members travelling to and from exercise sessions at either the Leisure Centre or the pool at Woking Homes. Reason: Woking Strokeability provides a valued service to stroke sufferers through its exercise and aqua aerobics sessions held in the community. |
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Woking United Reform Church Charity - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-057 PDF 143 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |
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Woodham Parish Hall - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-073 PDF 478 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That a one-off grant of 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of £22,694, be awarded from the Community Fund towards the costs of the improvement work to the balustrade, the lavatories and the windows. Reason: To support the Parish Hall in its work to improve the facilities for the benefit of users of the community facilities. |
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York Road Project - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-106 PDF 125 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED That funding of £53,400 be awarded towards the cost of the service, subject to 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. |
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yourSanctuary - Application for Financial Assistance EXE19-096 PDF 119 KB Additional documents: Minutes: |