Nottingham City Council has outlined its ambitions to work with community associations to keep community centres open.
The Council has written to associations ahead of a report going to its Executive Board in March, that will outline new proposals in a bid to secure a sustainable future for Nottingham’s community centres.
The new proposals include charging rents for community centres based on covering costs rather than at market rates as had previously been considered.
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Communities, Waste and Equalities said; “We know that the community services run from these centres provide a lifeline for many people in their local communities.
“Our ultimate aim is for a sustainable future for Nottingham’s community centres, with as many of these facilities remaining open as possible. But like all councils, Nottingham City Council is being expected to do more with less.
Financial constraints mean it is not possible to provide the same level of support to community associations, so we have to explore new ways of delivering services.”
The Council originally announced plans to charge market rate rent back last year. Since then, officers have been working with community organisations, to understand the implications of this, and work towards a solution for all.
Now, based on feedback, the Council intends to work with community associations to develop an approach that looks at covering costs, rather than charging market rent.
Cllr Jenkins continued: “As third sector organisations, community associations are able to access additional funding that the Council cannot, allowing them to contribute to the costs of running the buildings themselves, as opposed to paying rent.”
The Council has confirmed that it will be running dedicated sessions for community associations on grant applications, business planning, and effective procurement.
If plans are approved in March, negotiating new leases will be the priority. The Council has confirmed that there will be no changes to the management arrangements at the centres while negotiations are taking place.
“Between now and the Board meeting in March, officers will continue to work through the detail of these proposals, and thereafter will work closely with community organisations, to discuss tailored solutions for each centre, allowing them to achieve self-sufficiency, while continuing to manage Council properties effectively, in line with our financial strategy and Improvement Plan.”