Decisions will be made on the council support offered to local community and voluntary organisations in the upcoming Executive meeting.
The council maintains a strategic aim to promote healthier and more inclusive communities, including supporting a flourishing voluntary sector, but acknowledges that due to the significant changes in its finances, and the need to provide a balanced budget, it must seek alternative ways of supporting charitable organisations in the borough.
The Executive is therefore advised to approve a phased reduction in revenue grants to local groups for the 2025/26 financial year.
If the recommendations are approved, council support for the relevant organisations would continue through the introduction or continuation of subsidised rents on premises and office space, and subsidised parking for staff and volunteers.
The council would also continue to support charitable organisations through its existing methods of advice, signposting, promotion and advocacy for the third sector, and support in exploring alternative funding sources.
It is recommended that revenue grant funding be maintained at the current level for the remainder of the ring-fenced period of three years for Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (£95,000) and The Hope Hub (£40,000), and that a sustainability plan be developed in partnership with both organisations for alternative funding beyond the ring-fenced period. This funding remains dependent on the council’s financial position, which may be subject to change in the next financial year.
Surrey Heath Age Concern (SHAC) and Voluntary Support North Surrey (VSNS) are recommended to receive reduced funding for this final year of their ring-fenced period at 50% of their previous amount, being £5,000 for SHAC and £10,000 for VSNS.
Read more about the Revenue Grant item
Access the Agenda for the Executive meeting of 21 January 2025