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Catalyst Corby
and the
Volunteer Bureau


Recent stories have appeared in relation to the Corby Volunteer Bureau having over £200,000 spent on their behalf by Catalyst Corby.

A letter from Bob Lane, Chief Executive of Catalyst Corby, to Ex-Mayor John Wood-Cowling sets out to explain the situation.
(published with permission)

This letter details the following:
  • The TA Centre in Elizabeth Street is owned by English Partnerships (EP are the successors to the Commission for the New Towns)
  • The site is available for a period of NO MORE than TWO YEARS.
  • Catalyst Corby HAVE NOT been given money for the refurbishment of the TA Centre.
  • English Partnerships will fund a 'very basic refurbishment' of the TA Centre.
  • The proposal will also ensure the Volunteer Bureau 'vacate the building' which will then be demolished
The following questions come to mind:
  • This 'very basic refurbishment' is rumoured to cost in excess of £200,000. Is this true?
  • Where does English Partnerships get their money from?
  • Will Corby Borough Council provide ANY finance, through any route, whatsoever?

Now the most fundamental questions yet to be answered:

  • They are willing to spend  £200,000 for what is by any criteria a temporary solution.
  • What happens in TWO YEARS TIME?
  •  Where does the Volunteer Bureau go then?
  • Who foots this new bill?
  • Will it be another £200,000 - or even more?
  • Why, in these times of budget cuts, are the Volunteer Bureau effectively 'exempt' from cuts?
  • Have Catalyst Corby become a very expensive 'estate agent' for the Volunteer Bureau?
The full letter is available in Microsoft Word format by clicking
catcor.doc


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