Agenda item

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

i)    Culture & Business held on 8^th October 2025           Appendix C

ii)   Strategy and Resources held on 19^th October 2025   Appendix D

2        To receive any relevant verbal updates from other Working Groups

·   Community & Wellbeing

·   Environment

1)  Culture & Business

     Cllr Mirylees introduced the notes of the meeting held on 8^th October.  She reported that the Craft Month events had been going well and that the Lantern Festival was taking place on the 31^st October with more kits distributed than in 2024. 

     The Craft Town Artist in Residence Scheme had attracted 18 applicants to date.  Cllr Mirylees advised that she and the Town Clerk had attended the presentation of the Craft City status to the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, meeting the new President and team of the World Crafts Council who were interested in building on the connections with Farnham. 

     She reported that discussions with partners had been positive about the Museum becoming a Craft Museum – the first in the UK, once the renovations had been completed.  She had also had some initial discussions with the National Trust to see if there was an opportunity for collaboration over the Museum. Cllr Merryweather said it was good that Waverley had stepped up to its responsibilities in regard to Willmer House and he drew attention to future uncertainty with local Government Reorganisation.  Residents will have to appreciate and support such buildings in future as the new Unitary authority may not. 

     Cllr Mirylees advised that the BID had agreed to contribute to the Christmas Lights scheme, which was good news as it allowed some additional features to be implemented.

2)    Strategy & Resources

     Cllr White introduced the report of Strategy & Resources Working Group that had taken place on 19^th October at Appendix D.

i)    The Working Group reviewed the financial position to 30 September 2025, including the Trial Balance, Income & Expenditure, Investments and Debtors. Overall performance was on target with minor variances to be managed through virements. Anticipated financial pressures were noted in relation to Community Asset Transfers and Local Government Reorganisation.

It was RESOLVED nem con that the Finance Report, including the Trial Balance and Income & Expenditure Report to 30 September 2025 and the proposed mid-year virements be endorsed as part of sound financial management.

ii)   The Working Group received the External Auditor’s unqualified report confirming compliance with Proper Practices. Two minor administrative matters were identified relating to a minute reference and the timing of councillor reviews of bank reconciliations, the latter already having been addressed.

It was RESOLVED nem con that the completion of the External Audit for 2024/25 with an unqualified opinion be welcomed, noting the auditor’s comments regarding the incorrect minute reference and the timing of councillor reviews of bank reconciliations.

iii)  The Working Group considered a proposal to transfer governance software from Modern.Gov to Decisions GovMeetings by Cloudy IT, including training for councillors and staff, with implementation planned before the February 2026 renewal.

It was RESOLVED nem con that the change of governance software from Modern.Gov to Decisions GovMeetings by Cloudy IT be approved.

iv)  A presentation was received on the Abavus CRM system. Due diligence had been undertaken, including discussions with other councils. Costs could be met from savings arising from the governance software change, and implementation would be phased. Cllr Woodhouse advise that due diligence on the technology should also be clarified. Cllr Brown agreed with the idea of an organic implementation with engagement with staff before implementation.

It was RESOLVED nem con that the Abavus CRM system be purchased and implemented on a phased basis over the next year subject to due diligence being completed.

v)   Council noted the Working Group had reviewed the final design proposals for the Gostrey Amenity Building, with the intention to deliver a high-quality building reflecting Farnham as a World Craft Town without being too costly. Design features, tender arrangements and the decision not to pursue a borehole were agreed.

It was RESOLVED nem con, with Cllr Hesse and Jackman abstaining, that:

(1) the updated Gostrey Amenity Building design proposals be approved for tender;

(2) the proposed design elements celebrating Farnham’s arts, crafts and literary heritage be endorsed; and

(3) the Town Clerk be authorised to liaise with Plan A on final clarifications prior to tender.

Cllr Merryweather left the room for the next item.

vi)      An update was received on progress with Expressions of Interest and Business Plans for the Community Asset Transfers submitted to Waverley Borough Council. Priority assets were identified, and the need for continued negotiation and due diligence was noted, including the potential for parallel purchase discussions for some assets such as Montrose House or Waggon Yard garages. Council noted the requirement for a duty of care by both the transferring and receiving organisation to ensure best value (economic, social and environmental) was considered.  Council noted that many of the assets had been gifted to Farnham or had been transferred to WBC as the successor authority to the Urban District Council.

It was RESOLVED nem con that:

(1)  progress on Community Asset Transfers be noted and the Town Clerk continue discussions with Waverley Borough Council on outstanding EOIs and Business Plans;

(2) the proposed priority list of community assets be endorsed; and

(3) the Town Clerk be authorised to enter into negotiations for the purchase of relevant assets in parallel with the CAT process.

vii)     Concerns were noted regarding a specific item of playground equipment that had been installed in Gostrey Meadow and discussions were ongoing with the supplier. The accessibility of the standing seesaw was also discussed, and it was agreed that an accessible seesaw should be installed during phase 2 of the project.

It was RESOLVED nem con that an accessible seesaw be installed as part of phase 2 of the playground project.

The Town Clerk and Cllr Ward left the room for discussion of the next item.

viii)   Council was advised that the Strategy & Resources Working Group received a presentation from the Farnham Building Preservation Trust regarding its future and potential disbursement of funds. Options were discussed, and it was agreed to recommend that the Town Council consider taking on trusteeship on the same lines as the Farnham South Street Trust, subject to further discussion.

It was RESOLVED nem con that Farnham Town Council consider taking on the trusteeship of the Farnham Building Preservation Trust, subject to further discussions with the current trustees.

ix)  An update was received on Surrey’s Local Government Reorganisation and the pilot Neighbourhood Area Committees (NAC). Preparatory work was ongoing, with the first meeting scheduled for 3 xNovember 2025.  Members expressed further concern about who was driving the project given Surrey would not exist after the new unitary was created.  There was a view that observers should be allowed to attend the meeting for transparency as there had been a reluctance to take on local input into the shape of the NACs

x)   In terms of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, there was significant concern expressed by Council regarding the design and adoptability of new ‘raingardens’ which were not fit-for-purpose. Furthermore the impact of electrical cabinets in West Street was a blight in the Conservation Area. Cllr Hesse advised he had contacted the Leader of Surrey County Council and he was fully understanding of the situation.  Council discussed the concerns of businesses who were worried about the next phase with the closure of the Borough and Royal Deer junction. 

Cllr Fairclough proposed, seconded by Cllr Marryweather, that SCC should be requested to suspend all works in the town centre for at least 12 months and give businesses time to recover.  In the ensuing debate, councillors felt a delay would see the end of the project as the teams that had been booked would be dispersed.  Cllr Martin said that she had spoken to fellow businesses in Downing Street and they wanted the project to move to its conclusion and were more concerned about the Waverley Car Park charges.

Cllr Merryweather said the discussion was very important since residents and businesses have been affected by the unintended consequences of the project and the current economic context with rents, labour rates and taxes all increasing. A break would allow consideration of whether the desired objectives of the scheme were being delivered.

Cllr Beaman reminded Council that the Farnham Infrastructure Programme objectives had been supported by all three Councils and at no time had there been a suggestion of suspending the scheme.  Cllr Jackman advised that he had previously proposed freezing parking charges but this had not been supported by Council.

Further debate took place on the publics views and businesses views on the FIP and car parking charges and overwhelmingly councillors were not in favour of suspending the scheme.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform the town and whilst the disruption was painful towns did need to remodel themselves.  It was noted that some of the debate appeared to be political but it was important to put people before party and continue with the desired improvements. 

Cllr Fairclough responded to the debate by saying it was important to review big projects and he was not a fan of continuing at all costs but having had a detailed discussion he was withdrawing his motion.

Cllr Brown raised again the issue of safety in the car parks which were poorly lit and in a poor state of repair as the public questioner had identified.

xi)  Funding requirements were discussed for the completion of footpath and lighting works at Borelli Walk.

It was RESOLVED nem con that up to £20,000 be allocated from the Farnham Infrastructure Programme earmarked reserve to enable completion of the footpath and lighting works on Borelli Walk.

xii)    Cllr Jackman suggested Council discuss a further motion to review the car park charges as soon as possible, with a £1 an hour charge and an urgent survey of the car park facilities.

In view of the lateness of the hour Cllr Ward proposed, seconded by the Mayor, and agreed nem con that the meeting be adjourned to 6pm on Thursday 6^th November.

Meeting adjourned at 9.50pm