Support for community groups and organisations
Updating their rental and hire agreements means that the Ruswarp Village Hall are able to meet costs and support potential hirers.
Help with carrying out a rent review has aided the future sustainability of the hall.
What was the challenge?
The hall rents space to a pre-school and was concerned that the rent they charged was too low. They asked if there was any way of asking what other halls charged so they could benchmark their charges.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer suggested looking at all the village hall costs as part of the rent review and also provided a range of prices for the committee to consider.
The group were able to agree on a rent increase that they felt confident worked for the hall as well as the hirer. This will be implemented from 1 January 2024 and will also include regular review dates to keep on top of costs and increases. The committee also reviewed their rental for the main hall and have increased this to reflect the recent refurbishment, including a new floor. This means they will uplift the room hire for one of their regular hirers. All of this helps with the sustainability of the hall and its activities for the benefit of the local community.
What does the future look like?
The group has a better understanding of covering all associated costs and will use this to guide rental prices. They will also use the rent review meetings to discuss other aspects of the hire agreements and to ensure that the needs of the hirers are met but not at the expense or inconvenience of the hall.
“[The development officer’s] help was great, really good. I was massively impressed with the instant replies and putting our query into the (Community Buildings) Facebook page and getting responses from that. I struggled to find other halls to compare with so this provided that information to me.”Ruswarp village hall trustee
About the organisation
Ruswarp Village Hall provides meetings, lectures, classes and other forms of recreation and leisure activities.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Community Support North Yorkshire is funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk