Longstanding community group urges cost-effective resolution to ensure future of local youth services

The 1st Effingham Scouts (1ES), a youth charity serving the local community for over 65 years, is seeking a fair and sustainable resolution to an ongoing dispute with the Effingham Village Recreation Trust (EVRT) regarding the terms of their occupancy of the Scout HQ at KGV Playing Fields.

The dispute centres on a proposed licensing agreement from EVRT that would, in 1ES’s view, reduce the group’s long-standing occupancy rights and introduce terms that may jeopardise its continued ability to operate from the site. Specifically, EVRT insist that Scouts adopt a bare licence type of agreement, which is a significant change to the current operation of the HQ hall by the Scouts (who solely fund and maintain the HQ) moving to EVRT control.  The only proposed licence option from EVRT includes a discretionary renewal clause and lacks assurances that 1ES considers essential for planning and delivering long-term Scouting programmes, with any wording recognising the building as a Scout HQ removed. In addition there is no recognition of the hundreds of thousands of pounds the scouts have invested in good faith.

“Our goal is simply to secure the stability we need to continue supporting young people in Effingham,” said a spokesperson for the Scouts. “We’ve always operated in good faith and invested significantly in the site, including the original construction of the HQ in the early 1990s.”

The Scouts’ legal counsel, who specialises in property law for charitable organisations, believes that 1ES holds a long-established and legally significant right to occupy the premises, including full access. Despite this, attempts to reach a negotiated solution have so far been unsuccessful.

EVRT has referenced Charity Commission guidance in support of its position. 1ES, however, argues that such guidance needs to allow for solutions that take into account the long-term community contributions that have been made by the Scout group. 1ES legal team has successfully supported similar agreements in other charitable settings.

Over recent months, tensions have risen due to actions such as restricted vehicular access, legal notices following public events, and concerns over how EVRT interprets the Scouts’ use of the facility. However, 1ES emphasises that it remains committed to constructive dialogue and a positive future partnership.

1ES have been trying to negotiate now for some time and is frustrated that EVRT are not willing to move their position such that any progress can be made. The latest communication from EVRT is to threaten the Scout group with court proceedings.

The Scout group continues to believe a negotiated solution is best for both parties to break the deadlock and move forward. Negotiating is a more collaborative and financially responsible alternative to court proceedings which 1ES has been advised could reach approximately £100,000 for each side.
1ES believes a negotiated solution significantly reduces the burden on both charitable and public funds.

Support the Scouts:

This is our first update in 16 months. We ask that you sign our petition (if you haven’t already): https://www.change.org/p/stop-effingham-village-trust-putting-commercial-interest-ahead-of-our-local-children

1. Why are you ignoring the history of the Scout HQ at King George V playing fields ?
2. Why are you ignoring the costs 1ES have spent on the building over the last 30 years in terms of the build, management, maintenance and improvements?
3. Why is there a clause in seven years that allows you to evict 1ES if it’s “no longer in the best interests of EVRT”?
4. Why are you ignoring the agreement in 1978 between your predecessor and the management committee of the Scouts to have “de facto unrestricted use of the building”?
5. Why do you deny the significant major contribution by the scouts to build the building in 1994?
6. Why in your latest offer, are you not allowing the Scouts the time they need in the building – why do you think they only operate in the time they are running a section?
7. Why are you and the Scouts having to each spend tens of thousands of pounds to challenge an arrangement that has been collaborative and peaceful for 50 years?
8. Are funds from resident’s council tax collected via the Effingham precept by Surrey County Council being used for EVRT legal fees? The Parish Council as Local Authority provides funding to EVRT to pay for the cost of providing the KGV facilities which are free for public use, the rest of the funding is paid by the various user groups including sports clubs, the pre-school, and other community clubs and activities.
9. Why did you EPC write to the 1ES 18 months ago  and tell them that vehicular access to the Scout HQ would be fully restricted until a licence was signed by 1ES?
10. Why are you undermining the invaluable community work Barnes Wallis accomplished in Effingham to support local families and children? As the president of 1E Scouts, he held this cause in the highest regard, considering it a vital part of his legacy.

To learn more about 1ES’s history with the hall, visit:
👉 Our HQ