ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) have been surveying village halls over the summer months, with worrying results for their continued future

88 respondents out of 873 claimed they were spending over a third of their income on energy and 'strongly agree' that rising energy prices are causing financial difficulties for their hall.

The Energy Bills Relief Scheme has provided a buffer; however, we are concerned that if financial support isn't extended beyond March, rural villages could lose their only meeting place.

In the long run, there needs to be much more investment in fabric of these buildings - Gamlingay Eco Hub is a shining example of what can be achieved.

Northamptonshire ACRE, Orlingbury Village Hall & Gamlingay Eco Hub contributed to the story which featured on BBC Breakfast on Saturday 19th November.  

You can read the full briefing from ACRE at this link:
https://acre.org.uk/briefing-rising-energy-prices-and-village-halls/

They are calling for:

1. A continuation of immediate financial discounts beyond March 2023, to last for as long as energy prices continue to show volatility in the market
2. A permanent reduction in the tax payable by village halls on their energy bills
3. Dedicated longer-term grant funding for making energy improvements to community buildings
4. Financial support for village halls to become Warm Hubs as has been pioneered by Community Action Northumberland (CAN) where people can socialise in warm, welcoming spaces and receive energy advice at the same time

ACRE is a member of the Rural Services Network. You can find out more about them at this link.

Graham Biggs, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network was also interviewed by BBC Breakfast as part of the same item about the importance of village halls in rural areas and concerns over rising costs.