The Mayor of Hailsham has decided to make donations to local charities and community youth services after he came in under budget on his allocated mayoral allowance in the last financial year.
In his role as mayor, Cllr Paul Holbrook receives a yearly allowance to cover events – and other costs associated with the office of Town Mayor – but in the previous financial year, he did not utilise all of the allowance and has stated that he will donate what was remaining to two local charities, the town’s youth services and other local initiatives.
Town councillors considered and agreed a request by Cllr Holbrook to re-allocate funds from the previous year’s Mayoral Allowance, amounting to £778, and the Mayor has donated £200 to Hailsham Foodbank, £200 to St Wilfrid’s Hospice and £200 to Hailsham Youth Service.
The remaining £178 will be donated to support local initiatives in the coming weeks, details of which will be announced on the Town Council’s social media pages.
Town Mayor Cllr Holbrook commented: “I am extremely pleased to have been able to donate money from last year’s mayoral allowance to Hailsham Foodbank, Hailsham Youth Service and St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Now more than ever, the charity and community services sector needs support to continue doing the great work they do every day.”
“The Foodbank in Hailsham does an amazing job in reaching out to those in need, and the real heroes are the volunteers who give so much of their time week on week out providing emergency help to around 1,000 people a year. I’m delighted to be donating towards this brilliant cause.”
“My donation to St Wilfrid’s Hospice, which provides end-of-life care to patients is being made too, and I know how vital it is to give funding support to the hospice for its carers and to help them continue their first-class hospice-at-home and nursing home respite care.”
“Finally, anyone who knows what the Hailsham Youth Service team brings to the town will fully understand my decision to provide a donation and help towards upcoming projects and ongoing running costs. The Service provides valuable youth work, support services, organised activities and opportunities for young people in the local area and I hope they benefit from my donation.”
Andy Joyes, youth project coordinator at Hailsham Town Council, said: “Hailsham Youth Service has been working throughout the pandemic, taking our much-needed services out to the young people in the community. With the imminent re-opening of the Square Youth Cafe and soon-to-launch Hellingly Youth Club, this money will be much appreciated.”
“However large or small, funding for the service is always needed to keep projects running and to make sure that everyone gets the chance to enjoy our activities especially in the new way our service will need to run to be Covid-secure. We are working hard to be able to open all the services we run, so please keep an eye on our social media for updates.”
The Town Council’s Mayoral Allowance is expected to cover the costs associated with the office of Town Mayor such as:
• Travelling to and from functions that the Mayor has been invited to in his/her capacity as Town Mayor
• Making monetary contributions to local community groups, voluntary organisations and charities
• To cover other costs of attending functions
• To provide suitable attire to wear to official functions and mayoral events
• One-off events held by the Town Mayor
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk