​Designating this as a neighbourhood area enables Albury Parish Council to work in partnership with the local community to produce a Neighbourhood Plan and a Neighbourhood Development Order. Neighbourhood Plans and Development Orders can help bring forward developments needed by the community, and enable the community to have a greater say in what development looks like and where it goes.

More information about neighbourhood planning is available on GBC’s website at: guildford.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanninginformation

If you want to know more, contact GBC’s Planning Policy Team by emailing it at planningpolicy@guildford.gov.uk or by calling 01483 444605.

Council’s financial management receives endorsement

Global credit rating agency Moody’s has given the council an Aa1 long-term issuer rating.

The agency’s report notes that the rating “…reflects its [the council’s] track record of strong budget planning, relatively diversified revenue base and good liquidity levels relative to its operating responsibilities. GBC has managed to accommodate significant cuts in funding from the central government in recent years thanks to its sound financial management that includes strong forward planning”.

Cllr Michael Illman, lead councillor for finances said: “The credit rating means that we have continued to be rated as one of the best run councils in the UK and we are immensely proud of all the hard work put in by councillors and employees in order to help achieve this.”

Sue Sturgeon, GBC’s managing director and chief financial officer, added: “This is also excellent news for residents. What the report is saying is that we are a safe, well run council in which those looking to make investments can do so with great confidence.”

Freedom to Play project brings play sessions to ATC Pirbright 

Children and young people are being offered the space and freedom to play in a joint project between Guildford Borough Council and the Armed Forces Community Covenant, called Freedom to Play.

GBC’s Playrangers will deliver 30 free Saturday play sessions at ATC Pirbright, starting on May 6. The Playrangers offer opportunities for play by bringing resources, materials and play equipment to the site where children (aged five to 12) can then help themselves. Playrangers also plan a semi-structured activity during each session to help build creativity, confidence and skills.

As part of the project, 48 places on the council’s popular school holiday play scheme, FISH, will also be provided free of charge to service families in greatest need. Each young person will go on two day trips as part of their week at FISH, with free transport provided to and from ATC Pirbright.

Freedom to Play will also provide two community fun days at Beach Grove play area in Brookwood where a variety of play activities will be available for children and young people of all ages.

Further firms sign up to GBC’s Corporate Citizenship Charter

The latest companies to sign up to GBC’s Corporate Citizenship Charter are Penningtons Manches, 96.4 Eagle Radio, RSM UK, Sanofi, University of Law and Charles Russell Speechlys.

The Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson; and the leader of the council Cllr Paul Spooner; with some of the businesses who have just signed up to the Corporate Citizens Charter.

The charter builds on the awareness of the role that businesses can play in the local community and how they can give back through corporate social responsibility schemes. So far, 25 firms have signed up.

The charter asks employers to:
• Help promote the local economy, support local suppliers and jobs and the learning and development of its workforce.
• Act as champions to encourage and influence the investment in infrastructure and housing that employees, residents and businesses need.
• Manage the environmental impact of their business activities.
• Support the local community and encourage their staff to be active citizens.

For more information about the Corporate Citizenship Charter and how to sign up, send an email to: stephen.benbough@guildford.gov.uk