South Ayrshire Council has agreed new policies for leasing and letting for community groups, effective from 1 April 2010.
Leasing: The new policy in relation to leasing will apply to new leases or when existing leases expire or a rent review is required. One of the key changes is that all groups will now be responsible for the running costs of any building they lease, including repairs, insurance and utility costs.
Councillor Bill McIntosh said: "This is very much the first step in a process of engagement with groups and organisations to set fair, consistent and affordable rates for leases which will make it easier for all groups and organisations to budget more effectively when planning activities.
"There is an opportunity to phase in any increased lease or running costs over a five year period to minimise the impact on the groups affected and many groups may be eligible for a discounted lease.
"Consideration for discounts will be given to community/voluntary organisations and/or arts and sport related groups providing a facility which is required in the interest of the local geographic area in which they are based".
Councillor Nan McFarlane said: "I welcome this change of policy and our aim is to make council properties and land available to all groups on terms and conditions that are fair, consistent and transparent.
"We are committed to working with community, voluntary and commercial organisations, on a case by case basis, offering every support, in order to deliver positive, affordable outcomes with benefits for the whole community".
Letting: In relation to lets, the Council has also agreed to extend the list of groups and organisations who enjoy free letting of schools and village halls which will be of benefit to senior citizens, nursery groups and health related self-help organisations.
The groups have been added to Free Lets (Category A) on the Council's list which is fully subsidised and includes school activities, organisations, clubs and meetings, councillors involved in council business and all activities run under the council's youth programme.
Subsidised lets (Category B) cover regular community meetings and recreational lets for adult groups, fundraising and social events, including youth, voluntary and out of school clubs, church groups, amateur sports teams, birthday parties and weddings.
The free and subsidised lets apply where the school or village hall is open during normal hours and outside these times, charges will be made to cover actual janitorial or cleaning costs only.
Charges apply to all other categories and, from 2010/11, all Council let prices will increase in line with inflation.
Concluding, Councillor Bill McIntosh said: "The Council's subsidy means many groups and organisations already enjoy free use of buildings and facilities and I'm delighted we've been able to add more groups to those free and subsidised letting categories.
"This further reinforces our ongoing commitment to those who do such excellent work in the community and supports our aim of making South Ayrshire the most dynamic, inclusive and sustainable community in Scotland".