Fear for future of charity events

ANGUS: Council licence hike will see fees rise by up to 375%

Angus community events could be under threat after organisers were hit with a fees hike of up to 375%.

Councillors approved new rates for public entertainment licences, which will see a small cut in charges for charities organising activities such as fundraisers and displays.

But the top rate for events that might attract more than 10,000 people will rocket from around £150 to £750.

Carnoustie Gala officials face a 122% hike and have said they do not believe the rises reflect the hard work put in by dedicated volunteers to keep local events alive.

Montrose Music Festival recently launched a plea for support after a warning that spiralling costs had left the successful event considering its future beyond 2017.

Angus charity event organisers say they fear for the future after a hike in licensing charges which could lead to a staggering 375% rise for some large-scale events.

Following concerns raised by the organisers of Montrose Music Festival that spiralling costs could place the event at risk, bodies such as Carnoustie Gala have expressed dismay over a decision by Angus councillors to impose a public entertainment licence (PEL) charge increase which will see their bill more than double.

The new rates have been defended by elected members, who said registered charities will actually benefit from a reduction in charges.

Public entertainment licences were previously subject to a flat rate of £154 for grants and £128 for renewals, with discounted rates of £36 and £29 respectively for charities.

Officials pointed out the flat rates did nottakeintoaccountthedisproportionate amount of work put into processing applications for larger or temporary venues and a review was instigated.

This included a plan to replace a oneyear renewal with a three-year one at 175% of the single year cost.

The new fees will mean a £31 annual charge and £61.25 three-year rate for charities – drops of 5% and 32% from the previous figures.

Events for fewer than 200 people will also see an 11% PEL reduction to £140.

But all other categories – up to 10,000plus gatherings – will be faced with charge rises of between 27% and 375%.

For an event attracting 10,000 people or more the single year charge will now be £750.

Arbroath councillor David Fairweather said: “I agree completely with Arbroath Community Council about how difficult it is to raise funds.

“We should certainly be working with the community councils, it is good for community spirit.”

We should certainly be working with the community councils. COUNCILLOR DAVID FAIRWEATHER

Carnoustie and District Pipe Band in action at the town’s gala. Some community events in the region will have to pay more after public entertainment licence charges were increased.