Following the Full Council meeting on July 8th, Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat City Councillor for St Nicholas ward, called for urgent consideration of long-term funding for Worcester’s vital community centres, many of which have relied on temporary UKSPF grants that end next year.
Cllr Murray said:
“Community centres like Lyppard Hub and others across the city are the beating hearts of our neighbourhoods. They support families, older people, young people, and volunteers every single day — tackling isolation, supporting mental health, and providing spaces that nurture belonging.
At tonight’s Council meeting, I asked the Leader to commit to a cross‑party discussion over the summer about how we can secure sustainable, long‑term funding for these vital spaces, especially as the UKSPF grants end.
I also sought an assurance that the role and value of these centres will be clearly advocated for in any future talks about local government reorganisation.
The response I received tonight gives me cautious optimism. I will continue to work with colleagues across the Council to make sure we have a strong, viable plan for the future of these vital services.
Our community centres save the council money in the long run — they are an investment, not a cost. We owe it to our residents to protect and support them.”
Cllr Murray, who is also a Trustee of Lyppard Community Centre in Warndon Villages, added:
“I am grateful for the work of staff, volunteers and trustees across the city who make spaces like Lyppard Hub so welcoming and inclusive. I will continue to advocate for their interests — and for the communities that rely on them every day.”
The question was well received in the chamber. Cllr Denham affirmed Worcester City Council’s ongoing support for community centres across the city, acknowledging their crucial role in supporting local residents. While the details of future funding are not yet confirmed, she indicated that more clarity is expected by November, at which point the Council will work to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed. Although we cannot yet predict what a future unitary authority might look like, Cllr Denham was clear that, in its current form, Worcester City Council values and recognises the importance of our community centres.
