Agenda item

That Cabinet:

a)           endorse the Policy; and

b)          note that no charges will be levied for the use of HRA Community Centres;

The Director- Housing, Health and Wellbeing was in attendance to present a report which set out the Council’s approach to managing Housing Community Centres, financed and supported via the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Council had 29 HRA community centres, located across the district either within or adjacent to areas of housing for older people. It was proposed that no charges be imposed for the use of the Council’s HRA community centres as it would result in the properties being liable for business rates and to cover this charge, hire costs would have been  prohibitive for many community-based groups across the district.

The Cabinet considered the report noting the importance of spaces within the community where people could take part in various activities.

AGREED (unanimously) That Cabinet:

a)           endorse the Policy;

b)          note that no charges will be levied for the use of HRA Community Centres; and

c)           note the alignment with the Community Plan Ambition Seven “Be a top performing, modern, accessible Council that get its everyday services right for the residents and businesses that it serves”.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure effective management of the Council’s 29 HRA Housing Community Centres.

Options Considered:

Not having a policy in place could result in ineffective management and misuse of valuable community spaces.