Annual report on community support

Each year, the Council supports a wide range of community organisations and projects aimed at assisting local residents.  The support is provided in a variety of ways, set out below.  A copy of the support awarded for 2008/09 has also been produced.

Annual Grant Application Process

For either revenue or capital expenditure, applications are usually submitted from October onwards for the forthcoming financial year.  Awards of grants are determined by the Executive in March (although where circumstances dictate, individual ad-hoc applications are considered during the year).

The exception to the above are applications for not more than £1,000 which can be determined at officer level under delegation.

Discretionary relief from National Non Domestic Rates (Business Rates)

Many organisations in the voluntary sector can claim automatic relief on a proportion of business rates (usually 80%).  The Council can exercise discretion (under delegated authority) on some or all of the balance, which is funded from Council Tax.

Accommodation

A variety of Woking-based organisations are supported through the provision of Council owned accommodation, either free or at `peppercorn' rent.  Most accommodation is covered by agreed policy on Community Rents and Community Use Rents.

Other Support

The Council also provides help in other ways, such as officer support and the subsidy given to certain voluntary and community groups using the H G Wells Conference and Exhibition Centre ('accredited use rates'), which is estimated to be worth some £120,000 in 2007/08.

For further information on the Council's community funding schemes, or for further details of the support provided, please contact Frank Jeffrey on 01483 743012, or email frank.jeffrey@woking.gov.uk