West Lothian community group facing £86,000 bill to stay in council building

A community group in West Lothian is facing a challenging situation after being informed they will need to come up with nearly £90,000 annually to continue using the premises they currently occupy within a council building. The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee has turned down the option of leasing space in the Bathgate Partnership building due to their yearly income being only £15,000. With a deadline set for April 2026 for the council to achieve budget savings of £1 million, volunteer management committees throughout the area are grappling with the choice of purchasing buildings outright or agreeing to new lease arrangements with the council.

In a recent online meeting attended by around 30 community members, it was revealed that the committee may be required to cover annual expenses amounting to £86,853, which includes a 10% portion of staffing costs equating to approximately £40,000 per year for two staff members. The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee is among several groups in West Lothian that have rejected the council’s stringent stance on the future of community centres and village halls. The committee expressed willingness to make a financial contribution based on their revenue and commitment to providing affordable spaces for volunteer groups, charities, and residents.

Donald Stavert, the treasurer of the community council, voiced concerns about the council’s perception of community centres as easy targets for budget cuts, highlighting the essential services they have provided for decades. The committee has proposed the idea of involving a community interest company or charitable trust in managing the centres and suggested a gradual reduction of funding instead of an immediate 100% cut. This collaborative approach could lead to more efficient management of community assets, lessening the financial burden on individual management committees over time.

The committee’s recommendation for a partnership between a social enterprise co-operative or charity and the council aims to ensure the effective stewardship of vital community resources while transitioning towards a sustainable funding model. The proposal has garnered support from attendees at the meeting, underscoring the importance of finding a balanced solution that maintains accessibility to community facilities while also considering financial viability. As discussions continue between the committee and the council, the future of community centres in West Lothian remains uncertain, with potential implications for various local groups and residents relying on these spaces for activities and support.

Insights and Summary:
The financial challenges faced by community groups in West Lothian, such as the Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee, underscore the delicate balance between sustaining essential community services and managing budget constraints. The committee’s proactive approach in proposing alternative management structures and funding mechanisms demonstrates a commitment to preserving community assets while seeking long-term sustainability. Collaborative efforts between local authorities and community stakeholders are crucial in addressing these complex issues and ensuring that community spaces remain accessible and inclusive for all residents. The outcome of these discussions will likely have a significant impact on the future landscape of community centres in the region and the services they provide to the community.