Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member Strategic Priority Area update report be noted.

Both Item 10 and 11 were considered together. The report was introduced by the Deputy Cabinet Member to the Leader whom explained that Empowering communities was key to delivering our vision of a county where no one is left behind; ensuring residents in Surrey can play an active role in tackling local issues, supporting one another and influencing decisions that will shape their future. The ‘Make It Happen’ campaign which highlights the importance of working together to strengthen our communities and create better places to live had recently been launched. The Deputy Cabinet Member announced a £500k investment in the Community Foundation for Surrey which he hoped would be match funded.

Since its launch, the new ‘Common Place’ web-based ideas platform had already had nearly 450 schemes posted with over 10,600 people interacting with it. As at the end of last week, 47,000 visitors had visited the site with 600 projects and ideas being posted in the map. Public question and answer sessions had been organised to explain the process for the fund. It was stressed that the fund was designed to support legacy projects with the Community that were going to benefit and enhance areas across the County. The scheme was not designed to fund highway projects. It was envisaged that the application process would open in March with the funding being granted in the summer.

Dr Jim Glover OBE, Chairman, Community Foundation for Surrey updated the Cabinet on the work being undertaken by the Community Foundation for Surrey. The Chairman briefed the Cabinet on the priorities of the Foundation in understanding levels of needs, developing detailed knowledge of charities and voluntary groups and inspiring philanthropic giving. The Chairman updated Members on the development of the Coronavirus Respond Fund and thanked Surrey County Council for their support with funding of £200k. The further £500k awarded to the Foundation through the council was welcomed. Colleagues would work hard to ensure this was match funded by local donors.

The Leader thanked the Chairman of Community Foundation for Surrey for his leadership on behalf of the council and looked forward to continuing partnership working with the Foundation.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member Strategic Priority Area update report be noted.