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The
Leader of the Council made the following announcements:
The Spring round of Crowdfund Guildford funding is now open
We’re starting the next round of Crowdfund Guildford
funding for community projects. As well as
charities and community groups, we’re also encouraging
schools and Parish Councils to apply for funding to help bring
their community centred ideas come to life. 
There are funding options available for standard and large
capital projects. We want to help fund projects that:
·              
help vulnerable groups
·              
make rural areas better
·              
improve green spaces
·              
encourage people to enjoy nature
·              
improve wellbeing.
Fundraisers can get the know-how, tools, and confidence
they need to start their crowdfunding campaign at a free online
workshop on Tuesday 28 January, from 12noon to
1pm. You can register for a place at the free online
workshop at
www.eventbrite.co.ukand searching for
‘Crowdfund Guildford’.
The deadline for
project submissions is Wednesday 12 March. 
Find out more about Crowdfund Guildford and the projects supported so far at
www.spacehive.com.
About Guildford goes monthly
The Council’s
digital newsletter, About Guildford, will be published monthly from
January 2025.
The newsletter
features the latest Council news, events and opportunities for
local people to get involved.
To subscribe to our digital
newsletter visit
www.guildford.gov.uk/aboutguildford. You’ll then receive future editions of About Guildford by
email.
The Joint Chief
Executive explained that the Government had published a White Paper
concerning the devolution of local authorities in England on 16
December. The White Paper set out a vision for the future including
a new structure. It was proposed that the new structure include a
strategic mayoral authority and a number of principal unitary
authorities. The aim was to make improved efficiencies and make
local authorities more financially robust. Surrey County Council
was to submit a request to Government for a priority devolution
programme by the deadline of 10 January 2025. There would also be a
request to postpone the County Council elections in May.
The Leader had
attended a meeting of the leaders of all of the Surrey district and
borough councils on Thursday of this week. The leaders acknowledged
the need for reorganisation and were in support of working
together. The leaders were not in support of postponing the County
Council elections in May and would be making a separate submission
to Government in this regard.