Moray Council informs Transition Town Forres that it will no longer cover the sustainable living group's annual rent for common good land at Bogton it has run for the community for 14 years

THE future of a local site teaching the community how to live sustainably is in doubt - following a decision by Moray Council.

Transition Town Forres (TTF), based on Common Good land at Bogton Road, has been informed that the local authority will no longer cover its annual rent of £13,200, effectively ending the environmental charity’s varied community activities on land it took over 14 years ago.

A council spokesperson confirmed its corporate committee made the decision on Tuesday, August 29.

She explained: “The decision was taken to refuse the request from TTF for a rent rebate from Common Good Funds and to change the terms of their lease. To date, the group has received £29,400 from the fund and committee indicated that it was no longer financially prudent to provide this level of assistance. Council officers will work with interested parties to secure an agreement on the use of the land.”

TTF has run social and environmental projects from Bogton since 2009. The group applied for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the site two years ago and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) carried out a Social Value Impact Study which concluded the total value of what is currently on offer there is £109,253. However, the CAT was declined after it was deemed there was insufficient evidence of community support for the proposal.

The council spokeswoman said: “There is a lack of support from the inhabitants of the former Royal Burgh. Agreeing to the proposal would have the potential to reduce community cohesion and increase tensions within the wider community.”

The council also deemed there was insufficient evidence the proposal would deliver best value, expressing doubt about TTF’s financial plans and leadership.

TTF expressed shock at Moray Council’s decision “during such a critical time”.

A spokesperson explained: “We engaged in an eight month process the council said was required to offer a below market rent. At the conclusion, it no longer wants to support the charity’s aim to promote community wellbeing and transition to net zero.”

The spokesperson claimed the £29,400 figure given for support is only relevant because the council wants the charity to pay commercial rent.

TTF’s community gardens bridge a gap on an unfulfilled statutory obligation by the local authority to provide allotments. TTF also offers food growing gardens and hosts projects including a youth club, after school events, environmental and repair and cafés.

The TTF spokesperson said: “The decision to not offer flexibility on rent during a cost of living crisis threatens these vital projects. Moray Council will be left with an empty site and unable to replace the public services being delivered by our volunteers. The cost of replacement will be far more than the rent reduction requested.”

Moray Council leader and local Conservative Councillor, Kathleen Robertson, supported the decision to refuse TTF funding, pointing out that councillors have a duty to allocate common good funds “responsibly”.

She said: “Given TTF has received rent assistance previously, yet the financial viability of the organisation hasn’t improved, we have to consider the wider implications. Successive councils have come up against the same concerns and after considered debate, the decision means looking at alternatives.”

The decision was strongly opposed by two Forres councillors, and TsiMORAY which has worked with the council and other bodies to support TTF.

Cllr Scott Lawrence (Forres, SNP) explained: “I recognise the challenges TTF face but it is better for the common good to receive a reduced rent than risk getting nothing. There was a way to provide both reduced rent and keep oversight, alleviating concerns about the use of common good land. This would have been a fairer way forward and provided TTF with the best opportunity of delivering their projects of community value.”

Cllr, Draeyk van der Horn (Greens) highlighted the particular value of TTF’s support for community wellbeing and improved health.

He said: “TTF offers value for money because of the social and tangible benefits to our community. If it is lost it could make it more difficult for vulnerable people or those with additional needs to access growing space and this will impact their wellbeing.”

tsiMORAY leadership team member, Fabio Villani, believes that forcing TTF to source funding or abandon the site will mean losing their expertise just as the new Moray Climate Action Hub is looking for ways to share knowledge and expertise between groups.

He said: “The decision sends a chilling message to community groups and social enterprises that volunteers are being pushed to provide services on the council’s behalf and pay for the privilege.”