Bathgate Community Group Rejects £90,000 Bill for Council Building Space
A community group in Bathgate has taken a stand against proposals that would require them to pay £90,000 per year to continue occupying rooms in the town’s Partnership building. The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee has turned down the offer due to their limited annual income of £15,000. This decision comes as part of a larger initiative by West Lothian Council to have management committees either lease or take ownership of buildings to save the council £1 million annually.
Debbie Magee, the secretary of the committee, expressed the group’s complete opposition to the council’s proposal, stating that it would have negative consequences for community well-being and wealth-building efforts. While rejecting the £90,000 offer, the committee has indicated a willingness to make a financial contribution towards new lease costs, depending on their yearly income. They are committed to providing affordable space for volunteer groups, charities, and residents, while also supporting community organisations financially.
The committee has put forward alternative suggestions, including conducting a thorough review of the centre’s operations to identify ways to increase efficiency and generate additional income. They have proposed the idea of transferring the management of community centres to an independent organisation, such as a social enterprise or charity, which could lead to improvements in operations and funding opportunities.
The management committee has reached out to councillors and local organisations for support in their opposition to the council’s proposals. Discussions on the future of the Partnership building and its rooms are ongoing, with a review underway to assess the current use of the space.
Representatives from the Joint Forum of Community Councils have expressed concerns about the lack of communication between the council and communities regarding these proposals. They believe that a more collaborative approach should have been taken to involve community input in deciding the future of community centres. The council has emphasised that the responses from management committees in January are a part of the initial proposal stage, and further negotiations will follow.
In conclusion, the Bathgate community group’s rejection of the £90,000 bill highlights the challenges faced by community organisations in balancing financial constraints with the need to provide essential services and support to local residents. The push for more inclusive and collaborative decision-making processes between councils and communities is essential in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of community facilities and services.