An update to Council Executive details the ongoing work to change the way community centres are operated going forward.
This aims to support the continued Community management of local facilities, that would meet the needs of the community and function under a new model of operation, whilst mitigating the financial pressures the council are experiencing.
Currently, individual Management Committees receive all the income generated via community centres, but the council pays for all of the running costs for staffing, heating and electricity, maintenance and upkeep of the facilities. This is no longer financial sustainable for the council.
Councillors were asked to note the results of the consultation with management groups around the different options put forward for running community centres.
Responses were received from all but one of the management groups, with the majority accepting the need to change the way they currently operate. Two requested additional time due to their specific circumstances.
Two organisations said they were looking at a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request to take over the facility themselves, with others considering this in the future.
Four groups gave a Full Repairing and Insuring Lease as their preferred option, with two preferring Recharge of Costs model.
The majority of management committees put forward alternative suggestions, such as a different method of financial contributions or the creation of a Trust or arms-length external organisation (ALEO). Further work will now be carried out with all the management committees to confirm a new sustainable model of operation.
If this is not possible, other options, such as engaging with other non-profit organisations to see if they would like to take on the management role, will be considered.
A timetable for the rest of the project has also been agreed, which aims to have an agreed option for every community centre implemented by Spring 2026.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "It's fantastic to see good progress is being made to ensure every community in West Lothian will have sustainable facilities going forward.
"Most people understand the current system where the council incurs all the costs but does not get any of the income cannot be justified any longer. We must change the way they operate, to ensure that all our communities will continue to have a centre for local use in the future.
"Huge thanks to all the management committees who have taken the time to provide feedback. Many have put in a great deal of work already, and their feedback will help shape the process going forward.
"I would also like to thank all the council officers and those in voluntary sector who are working to assist management committees find a revised operating model that works for everyone.
"While the process still has a long way to go, great strides are being taken towards putting our community facilities on a sound financial footing, which would allow them to flourish and prosper under new ways of working."
