Issue - meetings

To support a bid for grant funding from the DWP’s Flexible Support Fund to continue the work of the Epsom and Ewell Hub, with delivery partners.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Support that the Head of Housing and Community, in consultation with the Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, the Chief Finance officer and Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration, submits an application to the Department of Work and Pensions to fund a further year of the Epsom and Ewell Hub.

(2)          Agree that the Council continues the delivery arrangements with Surrey Life-Long Learning to deliver this initiative.

(3)          Delegate minor amendments to the bid to the Head of Housing and Community, in consultation with the Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee.

The Committee received a report to support a bid for grant funding from the Department of Works and Pensions’ (DWP) Flexible Support Fund to continue the work of the Epsom and Ewell Hub, with delivery partners.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Thanks from Members: Members wished to thank Officers for their work in relation to the Hub, and expressed their admiration and commendations for the scheme.

b)           Volunteers working at the Hub: Following a question from a member, the Head of Housing and Community explained that the DWP have requested that the Council includes volunteers as part of the offer, and that there are plans to expand the Hub’s steering group in order to develop the role of volunteers within the Hub, in collaboration with Surrey Lifelong Learning and Surrey Voluntary Action.

c)            Relocation of the Hub from Bourne Hall to the Ashley Centre: The Committee noted that the move to the Ashley Centre has led to an increased footfall for the Hub and has boosted the Hub’s success as a relatable and engaging location for the target audience of people aged 16-24. They noted the location has increased engagement with parents/guardians, as well as businesses. It was considered important for the Hub to remain in the Ashley Centre to maintain its current success, and thanks were given to the Ashley Centre Management for their support. The Head of Housing and Community explained that the Hub hopes in its second year to increase engagement further with local businesses.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Support that the Head of Housing and Community, in consultation with the Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, the Chief Finance officer and Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration, submits an application to the Department of Work and Pensions to fund a further year of the Epsom and Ewell Hub.

(2)          Agree that the Council continues the delivery arrangements with Surrey Life-Long Learning to deliver this initiative.

(3)          Delegate minor amendments to the bid to the Head of Housing and Community, in consultation with the Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee.