Highland Council changes its policy to raise cash from third sector groups
A council is demanding a charity pay a £17,000 bill for rent for premises previously enjoyed for free.
Childare charity Allsorts, based in Dornoch, has been given premises by Highland Council for the last 20 years for free but now the charity faces a huge bill for payment after it changed its policy on lettings.
A group of councillors are set to challenge the charges for charitable and voluntary organisations at a meeting later today (Thursday)
Changes were approved by councillors in March, and full details on fees and terms and conditions were available on the local authority's website.
But Kim Tewnion, the chairwoman of Allsorts, which provides outdoor activities as part of its sessions, would not be able to raise the funds needed to cover the cost of its let.
She said: "We can't ask parents for more money and we can't expand our business because there are strict ratios about numbers of children we can look after."
Tewnion said she understood the council faced financial challenges and needed to find ways to raise funds.
But she added: "If the council don't make concessions we will not be providing childcare in Dornoch after the end of June."
Registered with the Care Inspectorate, Allsorts operates out of Dornoch Primary School from 2.30 to 5.30 Monday to Thursday, and also runs an all-day holiday club for a week at Easter and four weeks in the summer.
The service, which provides childcare for 35 families, is fully booked and has a waiting list. It employs eight paid members of staff.
Allsorts’ core funding comes from fees charged to parents, but it also receives 25% of its funding from the local authority and also undertakes fundraising such as serving refreshments during the town’s Fibre Fest and running discos.
Councillor Richard Gale, supported by three other councillors, has tabled a motion calling for a review of letting charges for charitable and voluntary organisations, while also introducing a 50% cut in fees for the groups.
In his motion, Gale said: "Many of these organisations make a significant contribution to the mental welfare of our young people and this is particularly important in the wake of the Covid pandemic."
A council spokeswoman said: "In regard to specific details or examples for let bookings, it would not be appropriate for Highland Council to provide comment as customer details are confidential."
