Decision details

RESOLVED:

1. That the progress of the Fund since its launch in November 2020 be noted.
   
   
2. That a VCFS representative from Surrey Community Foundation sit on the network of experts that assess and score bids.
   
   
3. That the establishment of the YFS Advisory Panel be noted.
   
   
4. That the suggested timescales for the next steps for the Fund and the opening of the first funding window be agreed.

Reason for Decision:

Your Fund Surrey (YFS) continues to represent a significant and exciting opportunity for Surrey County Council (SCC) to invest in a meaningful and lasting way in communities, and for communities to drive projects that will make a real difference. The Fund fills a unique gap in the market for investment in truly resident and community-led projects to have a positive impact on the places in which they live.

YFS is a key part of the Council’s wider Empowering Communities programme of work that is seeking to stimulate local engagement and involvement. By providing the financial backing for community-led projects, the Fund will help to ensure the benefits of the funding match local need and builds local resilience and sustainability by helping people help themselves.

This report highlights the innovative ways in which communities have been involved and engaged in the development of the Fund and the significant interest so far from groups in wanting to use YFS to design and deliver projects that will benefit the areas in which they live.

The recommendations set out the continued work and planned next steps to ensure the Fund is accessible to all and can start to support successful projects once the funding window opens in spring 2021. As set out in the proposed timescales, this timeline is subject to review and monitoring of the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]