Town hall rent hikes could force groups out

A local dance school could be forced out of using a town hall next year because of council rent hikes.

Stagecoach Performing Arts may be forced to relocate from Kendal Town Hall, in Cumbria, due to a "substantial" increase in rental fees.

Kendal Ewes Women's Institute (WI) has also decided to move their meetings from the town hall next year for similar reasons.

At Westmorland and Furness Council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday, deputy leader Liberal Democrat Andrew Jarvis said no final arrangements had been made.

Liberal Democrat councillor Giles Archibald said the dance school moving out of the town centre would result in a loss of revenue for the school and a loss in council car park charges.

"I understand that the organisers of this high value programme have been in discussion with officers, but to no avail," Archibald said.

The Kendal councillor asked the council to open a review of relevant financial arrangement to ensure the programme, which uses the town hall for all classes except summer schools, could remain in the town.

Jarvis, who is also cabinet member for finance, said: "We recognise the positive contribution the organisation makes, not only to young people, but also to the wider community and town centre."

However, he said the council must consider the cost of operating and maintaining buildings while ensuring access remains "fair, appropriate and sustainable for users".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Kendal Ewes WI said it decided to relocate to The Eddington on Highgate for the first half of 2027 after the council wrote to it about changing terms and conditions of venue hires.

The local authority said it had introduced a "clearer and more consistent charging approach" to move it on "from any arrangements and agreements that have been made regarding discounts in the past".

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