LOCAL COMMUNITY BUILDINGS CALL FOR GREATER RECOGNITION OF THEIR ROLE IN SUPPORTING VITAL SERVICES TO LOCAL PEOPLE

Brighton and Hove Community Buildings Network calls for greater recognition of the importance of local community buildings in providing a home for a wide range of community activities and groups.

Community buildings lie at the heart of many communities, offering vital services to local people, especially those most in need. The relatively small sums of public money given to support these buildings allows hundreds of community groups and activities to thrive and provide a base for these activities.

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently reviewing the discretionary rate relief it gives to community buildings. CBN calls on the council to

* make public the discretionary rate relief it gives community buildings and others so that people can see what buildings and organisations are receiving this support

* continue to provide discretionary rate relief and small grants to community buildings offering vital services to local people and community groups as an incredibly cost-effective way of supporting grassroots community activity.

Statement by Brighton and Hove Community Buildings Network, October 2010