Purpose

Award of Community Grant to Elevate Guildford Ltd (Experience Guildford) to operate new Shopmobility Service in Guildford

Decision

Community Grant of £44,874.00 awarded to Elevate Guildford Ltd (Experience Guildford) to operate the Shopmobility Service until 31 March 2027. The Shopmobility Service provides accessible mobility equipment to enable people with limited mobility, disabilities, long-term health conditions and older residents to independently access the town centre and its services.

Reasons for the decision

By offering the hire of mobility scooters and wheelchairs, the service helps reduce barriers to accessing shops, healthcare appointments, community facilities and social activities, supporting residents to remain active, independent and connected within their local community.

The service plays an important preventative role by reducing social isolation, promoting wellbeing and encouraging inclusive access to the local economy. It also supports local business by enabling a wider range of residents and visitors to access the town centre safely and confidently.

Alternative options considered

It was considered to provide a lesser amount of funding or not to provide funding, however this option was considered but discounted as it would not enable the delivery of the proposed project or the associated community benefits. The recommended option represents the best use of the available funding to achieve the Council’s objectives and deliver positive outcomes for local residents.
This grant has been awarded to support the continuation of the Shopmobility service during a transitional period, ensuring residents continue to benefit from an accessible and reliable service while the organisation will be expected to actively work towards achieving registered charitable status during the financial year, with the intention of operating as an independent charitable organisation from the following year.