Council leader warns proposals on rates pose serious threat to arts and leisure.

Plans could have an enormous impact on arts and leisure provision across Perthshire

Controversial rates proposals could have a serious impact on the provision of arts and leisure in Perth and Kinross, including cuts and price rises, the council leader is warning.

Councillor Ian Campbell has called on the Scottish Government not to implement suggestions in the Barclay Review that would impact on libraries, leisure centres, museums and Perth Concert Hall.

He points out that, if implemented, the rates rise would mean additional costs for Live Active Leisure of £950,000, £400,000 for Culture Perth and Kinross and £200,000 for Horsecross Arts without factoring in the newly-refurbished Perth Theatre which has yet to have a rateable value set.

In the letter to cabinet secretary for finance Derek Mackay MSP – jointly signed by Culture Perth and Kinross head Lord Charles Kinnoull, Magnus Linklater, chairman of Horsecross Arts, and Mike Robinson, chairman of Live Active Leisure – they “express our concern about the potential additional costs arising in our communities”.

“Inevitably, we believe this additional cost would lead to lower participation levels and impinge on the range and quality of the work done in our communities,” the letter continues.

“A combination of reduced service and higher charges is not in line with our ambitions.”

Mr Campbell was in no doubt of the implications, saying: “All these bodies are at risk of being landed with massive rate rises, which will obviously hamper their delivery of the best possible services for the people of Perth and Kinross.

“It could mean fewer activities, more expensive activities or restricted hours of operation, or indeed, all three.

“In Perth and Kinross we see the arts and leisure as a vital driver for the local economy as well as helping deliver projects that help broaden the horizons of all of us, as citizens.

“If the review is implemented as proposed it will take in excess of £1.5 million away from these very valuable community organisations.

“I ask Mr Mackay to think again.”

It could mean fewer activities, more expensive activities or restricted hours of operation, or indeed, all three. IAN CAMPBELL