Community “not usually consulted” councillors told during charges increase debate

Community groups were not consulted ahead of a proposed increase in charges for use of community facilities because, “obviously when you ask somebody would you pay anything more, they’re not likely to give you the answer, yes.”

That was the response to members at a meeting of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Regeneration and Community Committee, who ultimately voted down the recommendations, with one member slamming the estimated income as minimal compared to councillors off to attend conventions.

Director of Director of Community, Health and Leisure Robert Gibson was seeking approval to implement a proposed increase in hire charges of community facilities and provision of community activities, with effect from 1 April 2020 until 31 March 2021

Councillor Barry McElduff (SF) said: “To increase charges on groups using the community centres is quite a significant thing to do … What type of consultation has there been or would there be, typically with user groups and with the communities in those areas … I’ve picked up a desire on the part of the local community to have a greater say in the running of things in partnership with the council, that they don’t learn about things afterwards and they are properly consulted.”

Councillor Seamus Greene (SF) told members: “I wasn’t really good at mathematics in school but I’m getting in and around 10 per cent increases and in some cases up on 20 per cent increases. That seems really, really high and I don’t know whether I would be in agreement with that.”

Mr Gibson pointed out, “We also haven’t raised any prices for over five years. In fact, we’ve said, this needs to be on a more regular basis. If you look at the increases in cost of electricity, staff and management of these centres, I do think £1 an hour, particularly if there are a lot of users, is not an awful lot, per user.”

But Councillor Greene remained unhappy, enquiring: “If it hasn’t went up in five years and we’re averaging 2 per cent a year, so still in around 10 per cent – I don’t think anybody’s wages has went up by 2 per cent a year for the last five years. I still think we are over-egging it.”

In response Mr Gibson said, “While you may feel the 2 per cent quite rightly, wasn’t the increase in wages, over five years it’s not just wages. It’s electricity, it’s water, it’s all the running costs and maintenance. Other things have gone up … We were very keen not to go too far because we should really try and do this on a more regular basis … But also not beyond the use or scope of those users we want to provide the facilities for.”

Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh was concerned the suggested price increase is, “Significantly higher than the current rate of inflation … I don’t see why it’s necessarily to increase by up to 15 per cent, even if it’s come on the back of five years of freeze. While it is entirely natural for someone from a corporate perspective to view the cost base in terms of costs incurred by council, these facilities are provided for the benefit of vulnerable, working class communities, who have nothing else but these facilities and it means a great deal. They are precisely affected by the stagnation in pay … An uplift of 15 per cent seems impossible to defend frankly. We need to review these figures. I’m not at all content of increase by anything above the rate of inflation.”

Mr Gibson responded: “Firstly no increases have incurred for five years, and that’s wrong. Therefore we need to reflect that. Secondly, we have increased the statutory charge and we have agreed to facilitate community before statutory (who) are well able to pay that because they are charging people to attend their events, and that also is commercial.”

Councillor Emmet McAleer (Independent) supported the speakers opposed to community group charge increases telling members: “These facilities tend to cater for some of our most disadvantaged. I know first-hand the importance of a community centre and access to it.”

He questioned what consultation had taken place around proposed increases pointedly enquiring, “In terms of community consultation or user consultation, have we had much or any involvement in doing something like that?”

Mr Gibson replied: “We don’t usually consult with the community per se, because obviously when you ask somebody would you pay anything more, they’re not likely to give you the answer yes.”

He submitted many events have a number of people attending and £1 per hour increases for 10 works out at 10p and “Not a huge increase overall.”

However, Councillor Emmet McAleer challenged this pointing out: “I understand what you’re saying but again I would argue not everybody has equal access to wealth …When adding charges on, we do have to be considerate. If we do put out a consultation and 100 per cent say they don’t want any increase, we do have to take that onboard.”

Mr Gibson retorted,: “The ratepayers – do we ask them if they want an increase in the rates? No turkey’s going to vote for Christmas. If you ask anybody using your facilities would you accept an increase in the rates the answer would be 100 per cent ‘no’ I would presume, or almost.”

However, he conceded: “It’s a decision for the council. If you feel it’s wrong then please advise and we will stick with what the council agree.”

Councillor John McCluskey (Independent) emphasised the necessity for consultation. He said: “The increase may be small or large, but it’s very important to consult with local people. Maybe to explain to the local community why there’s a small increase … Some sort of consultation is important so that people know what they’re paying for … to explain to them. You would get people’s support. They will obviously take more care of the property and respect it. I’m not saying I am for or against, but it’s very important to speak to people and consult with them.”

Councillor Greene supported this stating an explanation of the rise would be a very good. He further enquired: “What is the projection overall of extra money this will bring in? Are we arguing over a sum not worth arguing over or is it very substantial to the council?

Mr Gibson advised each of the managed community centres: “Probably bring in less than £10,000 per year. So, this is a very small amount we are talking about”

Councillor Josephine Deehan commented: “I’m in favour of skewing charges toward statutory agencies who I think are better able to afford.”

But she stressed, “A little bit of information sharing and consultation wouldn’t go amiss.”

Concluding, Councillor Greene said, “If I’m right in my calculations, we’re talking about four community centres taking in roughly £10,000 each, which is £40,000. We’re talking an average of 10 per cent. We are arguing over £4,000, while we send people off on all sorts of conventions and things every month, which £4,000 wouldn’t take a blink at. My proposal is we leave them (charges) as it is. £4,000 will neither make or break the council.”

After lengthy debate, it was agreed to freeze charges for community groups with the increase applied only on statutory bodies.