15-07-2025
Overhaul of council community services in Elmbridge approved
Community services in parts of Surrey are due to be overhauled under plans to reach more people and move away from supporting only the Borough Council's cabinet aims to "support more unpaid carers, more families in poverty, more people in isolation", as well as the older people currently approved Connected Communities model plans to "deepen collaboration with the voluntary sector, move from day centres to community hubs and introduce local coordinators to provide personalised, preventative support". Mike Rollings, council leader, said the initiative, which is estimated to save £1m annually, was "a bold, imaginative and necessary step".
He added: "This transformation means we can support more people, more effectively, and more sustainably." Current community services cost over £4m and reach less than 1% of residents, yet nearly 12% are facing real challenges to living well, according to the council. Concerns have been expressed about a potential reduction in services for the Morris, 77, goes to various events at the Hersham and Weybridge centres, including bingo, meals and to meet is concerned that "similar events won't be offered in the future".Mr Rollings reaffirmed the council's commitment to supporting residents, assuring that existing services like Meals on Wheels will remain in place throughout the 18-month transition. He said: "While the council will no longer prepare the meals directly, no residents will be left without an alternative meal provision."The council will consider the budget for the delivery of the scheme on 23 July.
