Revised public venue hire charges approved

Our Executive has approved recommendations made by the Council’s Scrutiny Panel to introduce a revised schedule of charges for the hire of public venues across the Scottish Borders.

The new charges see commercial rates range from £19 to £45 per hour, with non-commercial rates ranging from £9.50 to £18.00 per hour, depending on the venue. The new charges will apply from 1 December 2011.

Local community groups will be given a 25% reduction on their hire charges for all bookings if they pay an annual affiliation fee. The affiliation fee will vary depending on the venue booked.  In future, there will be no charge for the use of kitchens if they are only hired for making tea and coffee.

The report highlights the need for further marketing of public venues and future plans to introduce a booking service for venues and a box office ticket system.

The Executive agreed that the new charges should come into effect retrospectively from the 1 December 2011 and that the position should be reviewed in the 2013/14 budget preparation in October.

More on our halls and venues to let.