School hire price changes go ahead
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PRICE rises for school lets have taken effect, despite past criticism from community groups that such moves will hit them in the wallet.
When price rises have been mooted previously a number of groups have warned that they could be forced to fold – arguing that members cannot afford higher fees.
But Highland Council has introduced a number of changes, amid wider efforts to plug a multimillion- pound budget shortfall.
The council said the changes reflected increasing costs, and were also carried out to bring prices in line with those of High Life Highland. But it added that while some prices are rising others will remain the same. And it stressed that prices for small and large halls will remain unchanged.
Elsewhere, the community rate for meeting rooms is now an hourly fee of £10. Weekend surcharges will also no longer apply for lets during normal weekend operating hours.
Prices for grass and all-weather pitches and multi-use games areas will increase, but a pro rata rate for use of part pitches – such as a 1/3 all-weather pitch – will be introduced. Floodlighting and changing will also be chargeable. The council is also looking at which schools will be available for lets.
"There will be some changes to which schools open for lets from August," said a spokeswoman.
"The schools affected are mainly in Inverness but also in a few schools elsewhere in Highland. The changes mean that some groups will be asked to move their activities to neighbouring schools; however the council has sought to minimise the number of groups affected and the distance to the nearest alternative venue.
"Any groups affected will be offered alternative accommodation on renewal of their let."
Details will be finalised in the coming few weeks and published on the council website.
