SNP group pledge to exempt Highland community events from new charges

The SNP Highland Council Group have pledged to tackle the failure to exempt small community events - such as school fetes, senior citizens' parties or galas - from a Highland Council decision to charge a universal public entertainment licensing fee.

The council's Civic Government Working Group and TEC Services Committee had agreed to charge a licence fee for all public events.

That is despite provisions in Scottish Government legislation which would allow the local authority to waiver fees for small, community events.

The move has been met with some local opposition, as some community groups have warned they may not be able to continue to organise events under the new fee criteria.

The SNP has said it will announce that it will end the blanket public entertainment licensing fee as part of it's manifesto for the upcoming local elections.

The party will instead use Scottish Government legislation to exempt small community events.

Councillor Drew Hendry, leader of the SNP group, said: "The SNP will end these unfair blanket licensing fees.

"From school fetes to concerts for old folks' homes, those who organise free and small community events provide a valuable service in our communities.

"They should be not be penalised, but encouraged in these good works.

"The decision to charge fees for free events lies with the Highland Council, not the Scottish Government.

"This was something that slipped through the various committees, without the true impact being brought to members' attention.

"Now we want to get on with the job and do right by those folk who give of their time to organise these community events."

The party's TEC spokeswoman Cllr Maxine Smith said: "The legislation from the Scottish Government empowers local Councils to apply universal licensing fees.

"That is right and proper, as it would be hard to regulate large scale free events, such as raves or major concerts.

"But the council are also empowered to exempt any class of event should they wish, including small-scale, free, or community events - so that is exactly what we would do if in power after May 3rd.

"We have heard the frustration of local groups, so we will work to deliver free temporary public entertainment licenses for small community events.

"We are pleased to be able to include this as part of our manifesto for a fairer Highland Council."

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