A West Lothian community group is facing a significant financial challenge as they have been informed that they will need to cover an annual bill of approximately £90,000 to continue using the rooms they currently occupy within a council building. The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee has turned down suggestions to lease space in the Bathgate Partnership due to their low income of £15,000 per year. The committee has until January to submit alternative proposals, but the uncertainty lies in what will happen if an agreement is not reached by April 2026, which is the council’s deadline to achieve budget savings by reducing community centre expenditure.
Volunteer management committees across West Lothian are now facing the decision of either purchasing buildings outright or entering into new lease agreements with the council for community centre facilities. During an online meeting attended by around 30 residents, it was revealed that the annual bill for covering building and operational costs for the portion of the Bathgate Partnership building the community centre occupies could reach £86,853. This sum includes a 10% share of staffing costs, amounting to about £40,000 per year.
The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee is among several in West Lothian that have firmly rejected the council’s current approach to the future of community centres and village halls. Council finance officers have been criticised for viewing these facilities as “low-hanging fruit” and considering them non-statutory services that could be easily cut. The committee has expressed openness to making financial contributions based on their annual income to support the provision of affordable space for volunteer groups, charities, and residents.
In response to the council’s proposals, the management committee has suggested the possibility of a community interest company or charitable trust taking over the management of community centres. They have also recommended a gradual reduction in funding rather than an immediate 100% cut, allowing for a transition to a community-based operator over time. This collaborative approach could lead to more efficient management of these essential community assets while easing the financial burden on individual management committees.
Bathgate’s community centre utilizes rooms in the Jim Walker Partnership building, where the council proposes that the centre contributes towards the running costs and staff expenses. The meeting attendees overwhelmingly supported the proposals put forward by the management committee.
In conclusion, the financial challenges faced by community groups in West Lothian highlight the importance of finding sustainable solutions to maintain vital community assets. Collaborative efforts between volunteer committees and local councils can pave the way for more effective management and long-term viability of community centres and village halls. It is crucial for both parties to work together to ensure that these valuable facilities continue to serve the needs of residents while balancing financial considerations.