The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.
Utilities, rates and running costs
Some of the largest outgoings when running a community space are utilities and rates, with the current running-costs and energy crisis causing extreme price rises and making the situation more difficult for many community spaces.
SCVO’s Cost of living & the #RunningCostsCrisis hub provides information, advice and practical support to help you through these tough and unprecedented times. This includes information on the Scottish Government Energy Bills Discount Scheme for non-domestic customers.
The following information may help you to lower the utility and rates expenditure of your community space:
There are many energy companies and impartial brokerage services available to you and your community space, offering a range of products and services including:
- new contract brokerage
- invoice validation service
- energy audits
- collective purchasing
- account management.
SCVO has partnered with Utility Aid, who specialise in sourcing energy for the UK’s not-for-profit sector. Find out more about this offer and who is eligible.
DTAS has been a partner in the Energy Action Group since 2013, operated via Touchstone Energy Consultants and helping you take control of the energy and water costs of your community space, through a combination of intelligent purchasing, attentive management, and technical solutions.
Water rates
If you are a charity registered with OSCR and have an income of less than £300,000 you may be eligible for a full or partial exemption on water and sewerage charges for your community space. You will need to contact your water provider for an application form.
You will not be eligible for support if:
- the charity holds a permanent alcohol licence to sell alcohol at the premises
- the premises has a café which is open to the public and operated on a regular basis to generate income. This excludes canteens that have been provided by the charity to support its own volunteers
- the premises is a charity shop or other premises used for the purposes of retailing new or second-hand merchandise.
As your community space will be classified as a business, you are able to choose the provider for your water and sewerage supply. Scotland on tap will be able to help you source the cheapest supplier for you.
Business rates
Depending on the activities of your community space, you may be eligible for 80% mandatory relief on business rates and possibly an additional 20% discretionary relief. Check with your local authority to see if your eligible and to apply.