An update on progress to move towards a sustainable business model for each community centre is being presented to Council Executive.
Why is change required?
The council has been working with Community Centre Management Committees over the past 18 months to discuss ways in which the committees can take on ownership and management of centres, but to also ensure that the income generated by the centres contributes towards the cost of running the centres, and that centres remain on a sound financial footing. Currently individual Management Committees receive all the income generated via community centres lets, 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 financially sustainable for the council given the financial crisis that is affecting Scottish councils.
The current business model has to change and this is being seen across the country.
For example, in Falkirk, the council has confirmed that unless local groups take on the ownership of facilities, they will close this year having already agreed to drastically reduce the number of council buildings and close many community buildings and community centres. Many buildings have already moved (or are progressing) into alternative community led models, similar to the ones on offer in West Lothian. For example, Community Asset Transfer or a lease arrangement.
In West Lothian
West Lothian Council has been undertaking a review and engagement exercise since May 2024 to provide community centre Management Committees with the opportunity to take on the ownership of community centres and move to a business model that would ensure that the income generated via lets is used to pay for the upkeep and running costs.
Several options are available to each management committee (including Community Asset Transfer or a form of lease arrangement).
A report being presented to Council Executive next week sets out proposals which include:
- A number of community centres do not have management committees. Where this is the case, these centres will move back into council control and remain open.
- 12 Management Committees have indicated that they do not intend to move to one of the alternative models available and the council will progress to bring them back into council control where they will remain open.
- A further 14 have indicated that they are still looking at the options or are progressing towards an alternative model. Council officers will assist these groups to see if they can be resolved in the coming weeks. If these management committees do not wish to progress with a viable alternative available, then it is proposed that they will move back into council control and remain open.
- Five management committees are working towards either a CAT or lease arrangement and the council will continue to provide professional support to these groups. Council officers will continue to work with those committees who are moving towards an alternative business model and who wish to retain control of the centre.
Julie Whitelaw, Head of Housing, Customer and Building Services said: "From the beginning, the main focus of this work has always been to include the local community in the future running of community centres and this will continue, no matter what outcome is agreed for each centre.
"We understand that taking on a building is a big commitment, but it also brings real opportunities. Groups that step forward can create spaces shaped around local needs and unlock funding that the Council cannot access to improve facilities.
"To help community groups develop sustainable business models, we have provided as much support as possible. We want to work with any group that sees an opportunity to bring these buildings into community hands and that has remained our preferred route throughout this process.
"However, what we all want is to ensure that all areas of West Lothian continue to have community centres and that the centres operate successfully and efficiently. This is why we are proposing to bring centres - where there Management Committees have indicated that they do not intend to move to one of the alternative models - back into council control. This will ensure that they remain open and are sustainable.
"As has always been the case, at any point in the future local groups can submit a request for Community Asset Transfer and officers will provide assistance where it is required."
Under council management/control, how will my community centre be impacted?
- Support will remain in place to Management Committees whilst the centres transition back into council control.
- Officers will also liaise with the groups using the council operated centres and look to mitigate the impact of any changes to opening hours etc. Officers will also sign post these groups to any external funding that is available to support groups.
- Building user groups will be set up to include local people and identify what the community needs from their community centre.
- If the proposal to introduce a "Council Operated Model" is approved, groups will pay only 80% of the current education rates and the proposal will be to charge this 80% rate across all activities.
- It depends upon what individual groups arrangements and Management committees currently have in place as to whether each group will pay more or less, but it is believed many groups will pay less under the council's control or see no significant difference in cost.
- Currently community centres are available 98 hours per week but they are only used about 50% of the time.
- Going forward, officers will review programmes and ensure that community centre opening hours better align with when centres are actually being used. This will ensure community activities will continue but cost savings can be achieved due to a reduction in staff and energy costs.
- Of the proposed adjustments to the operating hours, it is estimated that eight community centres would see a minimal reduction of two hours or less (per week) and five centres would have their available hours increased in comparison to current arrangements to accommodate activities
- Officers will look to minimise any impact on groups/activities that would impact vulnerable groups and youth/children activities.
- Across the community centre portfolio there are currently 507 regular bookings. Reducing opening hours slightly would potentially impact only 6% of these - demonstrating the extent of the spare capacity available at community centres currently. Of these, the majority are attended by adults.
- Officers also believe that there is opportunities to increase activity programmes at many of the centres.
School wing community centres
There are seven school wings community centres in West Lothian.
Based on feedback from Headteachers, council officers will develop proposals for each community wing including considering all the individual issues regarding access etc. Due to the specific nature of the spaces within schools it is proposed to extend the timeline and bring a further report back to Council Executive for approval at a later date.
