Voluntary and Community Sector Groups and Organisations Policy on renting a garage
- Applications can be made by voluntary and community sector groups and organisations from within Stevenage to have a subsidised garage.
- All applications will be put through a fair assessment by way of means testing informed by financial capacity and ability to pay, as well as the impact the group has in local community.
- Groups and organisations currently occupying a subsidised council garage will not be able to apply for additional subsidised garages.
- A garage will be offered when one becomes available in a low demand area. If no garage is available, the group will be placed onto a waiting list and contacted once a garage is available.
- All groups occupying a subsidised garage will be liable to pay 40% of the weekly garage rent.
- The charges will be graduated over a period of time until they reach a maximum of 50% of the prevailing full rent.
- The council can accept direct debt payments on a monthly or quarterly basis.
- All groups should ensure that the Garages section is notified of any changes relating to the person responsible for all communication relating to the garage and the key holder to ensure our records are kept up to date.
- The number of garages available to qualifying voluntary and community sector groups and organisations requiring a VCO garage is capped at 50.
- Annual inspections, of 10% of voluntary group garages will be carried out to make sure the garage is being used as per the application form and to check on the condition of the garage.
- The council reserves the right to terminate the tenancy if the garage rent is not paid, or if any evidence comes to light that the garage is not being used as per the application form.
- The group shall give 4 weeks’ notice in writing via the online termination form once the garage is no longer required. The garage must be clear of all items when garage keys are returned to Stevenage Borough Council and any items left inside will be subject to clearance charges.
- If the garage keys are lost during the tenancy or there are no keys to return upon termination of the licence the group will be subject to a gain entry and lock change charge.
Garage Management Services
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts
01438 242242