Agenda item

1        To receive the notes and any recommendations of the following Working Groups:

i)    Community & wellbeing held on 4^th September 2025Appendix B

ii)   Strategy and Resources held on 8^th September 2025Appendix C

iii)  Environment held on 10^th September 2025               Appendix D

2        To receive any relevant verbal updates from Culture & Business Working Group

1        Community & Wellbeing Working Group

Cllr Earwaker introduced the Notes of the Community & Wellbeing Working Group held on 4^th September at Appendix B to the agenda.  The Working Group received a presentation from Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) promoting its ‘Parent Pact’ to delay smartphone ownership until aged 14. Members supported the principles of the campaign and discussed promotion via council channels and events. There was particular concern over peer pressure in schools with bullying and demand for inappropriate pictures leading to significant mental health issues for younger people.  Cllr Mauluka offered to support SFC in its visits to schools.

       The Working Group had reviewed community grants, noting quiet demand for the Support Fund and confirming the 2026/27 grant timetable which was open until December. Reports from youth partners (Hale Community Centre, 40 Degreez, and the Jubilee Hub) highlighted ongoing work supporting young people were welcomed, and a discussions on the research by Participation People was noted. The Jubilee Hub had requested an additional £4,875 from unallocated SLA funds for additional work undertaken which was supported.

The Working Group also discussed older people’s services with the move of the Brightwells Gostrey Centre to Brambleton Hall; CCTV improvements; and better health integration within the new Neighbourhood Area Committees (NAC) following a presentation by the Chief Executive of the Frimley Integrated Care Board advising of changes being implemented as part of new Government priorities.  It was hoped other observers could also attend the NAC pilots to learn how the process worked.

It was Resolved nem con that:

1)    Jubilee Hub receive an additional £4,875 from the remaining SLA allocation for 2025/26 to support extended youth engagement work, with £2,625 retained for future reallocation;

2)    the Lead Member for Community and Wellbeing represent the Council on the pilot Neighbourhood Area Committee to ensure community health and wellbeing issues were prioritised;

3)    Farnham Town Council continue to support community awareness initiatives, including Smartphone Free Childhood, through communication channels and event participation;

4)    the timetable for community and South Street Trust grants for 2026/27 be approved.

2        Strategy & Resources Working Group

a)     Cllr White introduced the Notes of the Strategy & Resources Working Group held on 10^th September at Appendix D to the agenda.  The Working Group reviewed the mid-year finance report showing income at 62% and expenditure at 49% of the profiled budget and noted the budget timetable for 2026/27.

b)     Asset Transfer updates were received with a report at Appendix F to the S&R agenda, noting progress with responses awaited from Waverley on Waggon Yard Garages, Montrose House, Monkton Lane, the Memorial Ground and Brightwells Green Space. Business plans submitted to Waverley Borough Council for nine sites. Council endorsed the concern set out about the time being taken to process the applications (despite FTC paying for the service) and reiterated the need for income generating assets to support some transfers which needed significant investment.  It was noted that FTC would still have to do its own surveys and due diligence if transfers were agreed. Business Plans would be circulated to the Assets Task Group Members.

c)     Members discussed Christmas lights contract issues with the successful tenderer withdrawing and the second preferred bidder Festive Lighting being awarded the contract.  The costs were slightly higher with additional items being purchased and it was agreed that the five year project cost with contingency be budgeted at £320,000, but a five year commitment from the Farnham BID to enable new items to be purchased was welcomed in helping generate footfall for businesses.

d)     In terms of asset management updates, Council noted the successful launch of the new website on time and within the agreed budget and congratulated Savage and Grey for their work. The proposed CRM software development was noted and Cllr Woodhouse offered to support the next steps, Council noted the cost (staff plus equipment) of loaning items for community events could be in the region of £600 per event, which were met from an in-kind grant.  Council endorsed the continued importance of supporting volunteers running community events.

e)     In terms of the Gostrey Meadow Amenity Building, the challenges with protecting tree roots meant that the solution was likely to require the rebuilding of the Borelli Shelter a metre away from its current position. Trial holes were being dug in preparation.  The Tender document was due to be issued before Christmas with the hope that construction on site would commence in April 26.  External funding applications (eg Strategic CIL) would be made.

f)      Councillors noted the improvements done to Library Gardens since FTC took over the management of the gardens and officers were thanked for the work done to date.  The refurbished telephone box outside the Library was also discussed and it was agreed Cllr Hesse would liaise with Creative Response to provide art inside the box as a feature.

g)     Council noted the report submitted by Cllr Hesse on the ongoing infrastructure works under the Farnham Infrastructure Programme.  Planting for the raingardens had been chosen by Surrey and would be planted by FTC but there were concerns things were not as planned and with officers at Surrey changing this could lead to complications. Cllr Hesse and Jenny de Quervain were meeting with Surrey to discuss the layout for Castle Street.  The problems of staining on the new footways would be resolved by Surrey sealing the finished works to prevent future issues.  The Mayor advised he was meeting with the street cleaning contractor to see if more could be done in keeping the finished areas in good condition.

h)     Council noted the latest position on the Neighbourhood Plan and that the Urban Study proposal had still not been agreed by Waverley.

It was Resolved that:

1)    the Town Clerk progress discussions with Waverley Borough Council regarding the transfer of identified community assets;

2)    Festive Lighting be confirmed as the Christmas Lights contractor for five years commencing 2025, at a cost of £296,000 with a contingency allocation from the Christmas Lights reserve;

3)    Farnham Town Council continue to support key community events with the loan of gazebos, tables, and chairs, recognising the cost and community value of such support;

4)    The Lead Member for Community and Wellbeing join the Farnham Neighbourhood Area Committee along with the Leader or Mayor;

5)    Officers continue to investigate the introduction of CRM software to streamline service delivery and prepare a report for a future meeting;

6)    Creative Response be invited to use the West Street telephone box as a showcase for art and craft.

3        Environment Working Group

Cllr Brown introduced the Notes of the Environment Working Group held on 10^th September at Appendix D to the agenda.  Cllr Brown advised there was a cross-over with some of the items discussed at Strategy & Resources and he would limit his comments.

The Working Group received updates on tree works (with all the priority trees works being on target for completion by the end of 2025) , allotment maintenance, park improvements, and cemetery operations. The completion of Phase 1 of the Gostrey Meadow playground was noted, with Phase 2 to follow. Plans for the Riverside biodiversity project, Library Gardens improvements, and composting developments at the nursery were noted.

The Working Group supported reviewing Cemetery Regulations (2016) in 2026 with ICCM guidance and pursuing a Green Flag Award for Green Lane Cemetery.