Stonehaven community groups have criticised the news they might have to pay “three times as much” to hire their town hall.
Aberdeenshire Council is hiking up the hourly rates for the 2016/17 financial year as part of region-wide changes to its charging schemes.
However, local organisations who use the venue are questioning the decision.
Locals are concerned that many not-for-profit events would be classed as “commercial” endeavours – should they include a licensed bar – and will no longer be available at concessionary rates.
However local businesswoman, Chris Stirk, said many of the events staged at the hall should not be treated as commercial, as they often invested money back into the community and local charities.
Charlie West, chairman of the Stonehaven Folk Festival, described the town hall as “the heart” of the popular event.
He estimated that hiring the hall could cost “three times as much” from next year onwards.
Commercial rates for hiring the main hall and stage are scheduled to rise to £58.73 an hour.
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of property and facilities management, Allan Whyte, said: “Where a company, association, group or individual charges a separate fee or an admission charge to gain entrance to an activity in our halls, and specifically where a licensed bar is provided, this places the let on a very clear commercial footing and the charge we make reflects this.
“The charges we do apply in such instances are still considered value for money and we are always open to discussing any difficulties user groups have with our charge proposals.”