As members of Glastonbury Town Deal Advisory Board, we are very disappointed that further grant funds for The Life Factory project will not be forthcoming from Somerset Council.
We have consistently advised speedier action on the issues facing The Life Factory project and release of the internal audit findings and recommendations.
Having read the report by South West Audit Partnership, we understand the rationale for this decision by Somerset Council as the accountable body. However, we remain very concerned about the impact this decision will have on our community.
We are particularly concerned that local contractors with outstanding invoices will not be paid by Somerset Council.
Our advice to Somerset Council is that they support the Red Brick Building Centre Ltd to find a way forward to ensure the future of the activities and services for the community and the tenant organisations, and to consider all possible options for Building C, the intended home for The Life Factory.
We understand that Somerset Council is considering this situation with The Life Factory as an outlier in the overall Town Deal and that the other nine projects are not adversely affected.
The Town Deal Board has strongly welcomed a current ‘health check’, funded separately by Somerset Council, to monitor and support the progress and successful completion of all the other projects.
As we move into the final year of the planned delivery of the Town Deal in Glastonbury, we reiterate our understanding of the importance of efficient and effective project management in successful delivery of all projects.
Glastonbury Town Deal Board is chaired by an independent representative of the private sector, as mandated in the Terms of Reference for all 101 Town Deals. The first Chair of Glastonbury Town Deal Board was Robert Richards, after whom one of the projects is named. The second Chair has been Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE since October 2021. After many years of commitment, passion and a strong contribution to the Town Investment Plan, the business of the Board, and the delivery of the ten projects, Lynne has stood down for personal reasons.
In addition, Kama McKenzie, a community representative, has also resigned from the Board. Kama has sat on the Board since its inception in 2020 and has made a significant and valuable contribution to the Board throughout that time.
The current Vice Chair is Cllr Michael White, also the current Mayor of Glastonbury. Michael will act up as Chair until the Board makes a decision on the next appointment.
The Town Deal Board is an advisory body, reporting to the accountable body, Somerset Council. The Terms of Reference can be found here:
