The hall committee
is set to consider a proposal for the extension and reconfiguration of the
premises to provide space for a community shop. There will be much to explore
and the committee have already consulted with the Village Hall
Adviser at the Warwickshire Rural Community council and a solicitor
specialising in charity law for guidance on the proper process to be followed
and the factors we must consider.
Meetings are being arranged with the
Shop Group to begin the process of consulting with the hall committee, with a
meeting already scheduled this week. We will look fairly and carefully at
the proposal while remembering that, like all trustees, we have a duty to
ensure any decision is in the best interests of the hall charity (see role of trustees, here). In other words, that any changes work for user groups and hirers, and
help the hall continue its purpose of serving the parish and its vicinity as a
recreational, social and entertainment facility.
We also have to be clear on an
alternative use for the proposed additional space should a shop cease to
trade in the future, as it would be for the hall committee (who can be
personally liable for debts of the charity) to administer and maintain. So
we will be exploring both the potential benefits as well as risks.
We also have to decide if land
needed for the project is surplus to the hall's requirements. If it is,
the hall's governing documents may allow us to recommend a lease, subject to approval
by the village and the Charity Commission. We will keep the village updated on
these important decisions.
The Plunkett Foundation, which helps rural communities to set up and run
community-owned shops, sets out points that need to be considered when looking
at a village hall as potential premises for a store. You can read the Foundation's advice by clicking HERE.
