Scout groups hit by rising costs

Scout groups in the Black Country today backed claims they were being hit by rent charges from councils trying to raise revenue in the face of Government spending cuts.

Scout groups across the UK are facing increases of thousands of pounds a year to rent buildings for meetings and events this year, which could force some to close, the Scout Association has said.

The organisation said at least 2,000 groups had been warned of rent increases.

While not affected by a rent increase, the Armstrong Explorer Unit in Sandwell has been trying to move out of its cramped base at St Hilda's Church, Bearwood, but has been unable to afford the charges.

Scout leader Pete Willis said membership had swelled from six to 25 in less than 12 months.

He said: "The council offered us a gymnasium in Hadley Stadium in Smethwick because we are struggling for space but we couldn't afford it. The rent was just extortionate."

Organisers from the national association said the First Tettenhall Wood Scouts in Wolverhampton had seen a 60 per cent rise in their ground rent at the United Reform Church in Mount Road and at the scouting centre in Compton.

Trustee of the group Mark Hamblett said rents had been increased following a five-yearly review in 2009.