The Liberal Democrats running Woking Borough Council recently agreed to reallocate £601,000 of external funding to support six community projects.

In 2022 the Council received £1 million from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which was launched to help Councils build pride in place and increase life chances.

The Council’s original investment plan submitted to Government in 2022 included £601,000 to support the delivery of the Borough’s 2022-2025 Digital Strategy. However, the Council’s Executive agreed to reallocate this funding to six priority projects, which will directly benefit Woking residents.

The following sums were agreed by my Lib Dem colleagues and I:

• 150,000 to support the transition of pavilion ownership to sports organisations and the costs involved with maintenance and utilities.
• £140,000 to support the transition of community centre management to community groups and the costs involved with maintenance and utilities.
• £130,000 to help The Lightbox establish a new operating model.
• £101,000 for parks and play areas, specifically improvements to safety surfacing, footpaths and car park areas.
• £50,000 to establish an independent ‘Place Board’ for Woking, which will work collaboratively to attract inward investment and support local businesses.
• £30,000 to support Citizen’s Advice move to a more sustainable business model and secure funding from alternative sources.

This decision is about using funding in a positive way to minimise the impact of the Council’s financial position on communities and local businesses. It shows that this Lib Dem Council is prepared to think creatively, reprioritise and direct support to where it is needed most.

We have had to make some really tough decisions this year, but I am glad that by utilising this funding sensibly we can show organisations like The Lightbox and Citizen’s Advice that we value them and we are willing to do everything within our gift to support them.