IMPACT OF REGULATIONS ON VILLAGE HALLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES

Early day motion 66, tabled 13 November 2002 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 41 members.

That this House calls on the Government to recognise that many village and community halls are facing closure as a result of the increasing pressure being placed on employees and volunteers to implement health and safety regulations; requests that the effect of such regulations on village and community halls should be reviewed bearing in mind that halls are frequently run by volunteers with limited time and resources; furthermore recognises that difficulties with implementation have been intensified as a result of the lack of funding that is currently available to cover capital costs such as building maintenance; further notes the importance of village and community halls to the life of local people in providing support and opportunities for young and old; and requests that urgent consideration be given to this issue, and also to the underlying problem of the lack of available funding for village halls and community centres.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 19, Labour 11, Conservative 8, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.