Issue - meetings

This report considers the continued support of voluntary sector organisations and sets out the proposed funding arrangements for 2026/2027. The report also considers the impact of Local Government Reorganisation and presents a funding proposal for the financial year 2027/2028.

The Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Agree to the financial support of the voluntary sector organisations as detailed in Option 2 (section 3.9 of the report).

The Committee received a report considering the continued support of voluntary sector organisations and setting out the proposed funding arrangements for 2026/2027. The report also considered the impact of Local Government Reorganisation and presented a funding proposal for the financial year 2027/2028.

Further to his declaration of interest, Councillor Phil Neale did not participate in the Committee’s debate on this item.

The Committee considered the following matters:

a)            Implications for Council in the Event of Reduced Funding. In response to a question from a Member, the Community Development Manager advised that, should the Committee decide to reduce funding for the Voluntary organisations, there would likely be a resulting increased pressure on Council services. The Chair stated that it would be very challenging to define an accurate financial breakdown of the effect this would have on the Council owing to too many variables and unknowns.

b)            Funding Arrangements Following Demise of Epsom & Ewell. The Committee considered that it could not commit to any funding for the voluntary organisations beyond 2026/27, owing to the forthcoming demise of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council as part of Local Government Reorganisation, and noted that funding arrangements for the 2027/28 period would ultimately be for the new Unitary Authority to decide. It was noted however that, should the Committee agree to the funding arrangements for 2027/28 as set out in option 2 of the report, it would provide a Committee-supported decision for the new Unitary to consider when agreeing their arrangements.

c)            Voluntary Services Expertise. The Committee considered the important work carried out by the Voluntary Services and the valuable experience and expertise of the people who work for them.

Prior to voting, Councillor Phil Neale withdrew from the meeting room.

Following consideration, Councillor Bernie Muir proposed that the Committee go to a vote on recommendation 1 b) of the report, for Option 2. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Rachel King.

Subsequently, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Agree to the financial support of the voluntary sector organisations as detailed in Option 2 (section 3.9 of the report).

Councillor Phil Neale returned to the room following the conclusion of this agenda item.