Bristol Lib Dems intervene on Council’s unfair charges to community groups
Community groups can now access Council-owned spaces at a fair price once again, thanks to the intervention of Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Varney.
Following a change in the Council’s venue management partner, community groups were facing a massive hike in the cost of hiring out Council facilities to run activities and organise events.
Cllr Andrew Varney (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West) said:
“My attention was first brought to this issue by the Bristol Naturalists’ Society. For the past few years, they have been meeting in the Create Centre, which is run by Bristol City Council.
“Previously, hiring it out for an evening would cost the group £250. Following the change in management of Council-owned venues this year, the group were quoted a staggering £1500.
“This is a whopping increase of 600% over the space of a year – for the same space, for the same amount of time!
“Having raised the flag on this unfair situation, I’m pleased that the Council has rectified the situation with the management company and has protected affordable charges for community groups looking to use Council venues.
“Ensuring that community groups who do fantastic local work have a fair price to access venues and facilities is essential. These venues are owned by the Council, and thus owned by all Bristolians – local people should never be priced out of using them.”
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