Cllr Murray Calls for Long-Term Protection of Worcester’s Community Centres

Councillor Sarah Murray has urged Worcester City Council to commit to safeguarding vital community centres beyond the current budget year, warning that stable support is essential for local wellbeing as the city prepares for major local government reorganisation.

Speaking at the Communities Committee meeting on 28 January 2026, Liberal Democrat Councillor Sarah Murray welcomed the inclusion of £19,000 funding for Lyppard Hub in the draft budget, but stressed that community centres must not be treated as optional extras.

“£19,000 might sound like a modest figure on a spreadsheet,” she told the committee, “but to people who rely on this centre, it means everything.”

Cllr Murray described Lyppard Hub as far more than a neighbourhood facility, highlighting its wide-reaching role across Worcester. She praised the Hub’s youth clubs, support for carers and new parents, services for bereaved residents and people living with dementia, and the many activities that help bring people together.

“Lyppard Hub is so much more than a local resource,” she said. “These things build communities in joyful ways.”

However, Cllr Murray warned that the uncertainty created by the planned abolition of Worcester City Council by 2028 makes it even more urgent to send a clear message now.

“Supporting community centres is not an add-on,” she said. “It’s essential to prevention, connection and local wellbeing.”

She asked the committee to join her in ensuring that these centres are protected “now and in years to come.”

In response, Cllr Jabba Riaz acknowledged the value of community centres but raised concerns about the current funding formula, noting that Lyppard receives a higher level of support than some other centres in the city.

He said that future arrangements under a new unitary authority could lead to funding being “standardised,” adding that he could not guarantee the current levels of support would remain unchanged.

Despite this, Cllr Riaz agreed with the wider principle of protecting community facilities.

“I don’t think there’s anybody here around the table who would say community centres aren’t the lifeblood of our communities,” he said.

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr Murray said Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign for long-term investment in the services that keep communities connected.

“Community centres like Lyppard Hub prevent isolation, support families, and give young people a safe place to go,” she said. “They deserve secure, lasting support — not uncertainty.”