Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 14, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Resolved that:   (a)       the ‘Connected Communities’ model, to extend the reach of community support services and ensure ongoing financial viability, be approved;   (b)       in accordance with (a) above, in order to achieve this approach, the following key changes to the service be approved:   (i)            a team of Local Area Coordinators to provide support to those most in need be established;   (ii)          a local voluntary sector organisation be commissioned to:   -       provide support and training to the voluntary sector; -       increase funding being brought into the Borough; -       train local volunteers as community connectors to ensure people were signposted to the support they need;   (iii)         move from directly operating six Centres for the Community to enabling the voluntary sector to provide a wider range of community spaces to support more people with a wider range of needs. To include:   -       bringing together operators of community hubs across Elmbridge to share learning; -       transferring activities from the Weybridge Centre for the Community into the new library community hub, with the Council continuing to provide these services in partnership with Surrey County Council and others; -       establishing an open and transparent process for voluntary sector and community organisations to lease or buy the six Centres for the Community to provide ongoing and wider community benefit;   (iv)       the direct delivery of the Meals on Wheels service be wound down and replaced with bespoke support. Current Meals on Wheels clients to be first priorities for the Local Area Coordinators, to enable them to receive more holistic support and transition to an alternative food service provider and wellbeing provision;   (v)        provide funding to allow EBC dementia care to explore the feasibility of becoming a charity or Community Interest Company and develop a full business plan as appropriate;   (vi)       continue to deliver community transport while exploring the potential to align with Surrey County Council’s Surrey Connect model to create a more effective community transport offer;   (c)        the communication plan be approved;   (d)       the transition plan be approved;   (e)       the renaming of Community Services to Community, Health and Wellbeing be noted; and   (f)        authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (Place & Community), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Care, to enter into any leases, licenses, agreements, contracts and other legal documents necessary to fulfil the recommendations provided that any decision regarding the outright sale of any of the six Centres for the Community should be subject to a separate decision and approval by Cabinet.