Decision details

To seek approval from Cabinet Members for proposals for a revised Policy for hire of the Civic Centre and charges for external use of meeting facilities.

To adopt the proposed Council Room Hire Policy and agree the proposed room hire charges.

The approach taken in determining the Room Hire Policy and in setting the charges reflects the Council’s aim to clarify the rationale for hire and use of public rooms at the Civic Centre, and to set charges which encourage greater use of those facilities, particularly by the Voluntary and Community Sector.    

1.    In drafting these proposals, the following alternative options were considered:

·         That the charges set in 2009/10 are simply inflated to reflect the year on year RPI increase. This option was not recommended as it did not fully reflect the costs incurred for additional caretaking and would also significantly undercut those facilities available through Leisure Services.

·         That charges are set on a commercial basis and used as an avenue for income generation. This option was not recommended as it did not reflect the aim of the Council to encourage use of public rooms by the Community and Voluntary Sector.

None.