COMMUNITY LEADERS have slammed the introduction of fees for charity and voluntary groups who wish to hold temporary markets and car boot sales.
Previously, any such groups were exempt from paying charges for a licence – but Oldham Council changed its policy after a review last month.
A £40 charge will apply for the first 20 stalls or vehicles, with another £2 charged per stall or vehicle above the initial 20.
And if an event runs over more than one day, even in the same weekend, separate fees will be charged for each day.
But after numerous organisations contacted the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership to complain, they have pushed the Council to reconsider.
They passed a resolution, saying: “The Saddleworth & Lees District Partnership deplores the decision by Oldham Council to remove the exemption of charity and voluntary groups from the paying of fees for holding temporary markets and car boot sales.
“The fee of at least £40 means, that in many cases, there will be little or no profit made for the charity or group.
“We feel this decision goes against the spirit and principles of the Co-operative Council where voluntary and community groups are being urged to take on more and more services.
“We therefore call on the Council to reverse this decision as soon as possible.”
