Controversial school hire charges

Consultation with users has forced the Comhairle to rethink proposals to charge £30 per hour on all groups letting school rooms or buildings.

Anger was caused when the plans were made public in September with critics calling the charge ‘excessive’ and warning it would kill off many youth, sports and community clubs, particularly in districted where there was no alternative venue.

In an U-turn, a report to go before councillors next week details that charges for non-commercial lets will remain free, however commercial lets will be charged £30 per hour for hire of school venues.

The new charging structure will run for a year from April and then be subject to review.

The public consultation – which was extended due to wide community concern – received 116 responses, covering over 80% of the schools area.

“The response to the consultation was overwhelmingly in support of a zero charge for non-commercial groups,” details the report.

U-turn over controversial school hire charges

23 November 2014

“Respondents stressed the positive benefits that children’s and other voluntary groups bring to the community.”

It adds: “It is clear that introducing any charge for facilities would have a detrimental impact on the sustainability of community groups and a zero charge for non-commercial lets is proposed to maintain the financial viability of children’s and community groups using schools for their activities.”

The new proposed Letting Policy also details a new corporate booking system which it is proposed would be ready for use by April next year.

Not only would the new system standardises the way of booking facilities across the Western Isles and allow for booking out-with office hours; it is also anticipated administration and time savings will be made through its introduction.