The debate over council funding for Calderdale’s major tourist attraction continues after a meeting where scrutiny councillors examined the relationship between the authority and the trust which runs it.

Calderdale Council owns Halifax’s Grade I listed Piece Hall which is run by the Piece Hall Trust.

Under current arrangements, the council provides £225,000 a year to the Trust to help with the cost of running the venue – the former 18th Century cloth hall is now a thriving centre for businesses and its cultural aspects include a series of summer concerts featuring major music stars.

The council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting saw members questioning members of the Trust and the council’s Cabinet about the relationship between the two.

From June through to August a number of top music acts will be taking to the stage for TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall.

placeholder image — From June through to August a number of top music acts will be taking to the stage for TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall.

Some councillors, including Reform UK’s Dan Sutherland and Labour’s Leah Webster questioned whether council cash should go the Trust when difficult decisions are having to be made over budgets.

Others, including Cabinet member for Resources Silvia Dacre argue economic benefits the success of the Piece Hall brings to Calderdale – a lot of extra visitors to Halifax, spending money in local shops and businesses – are well worth the investment and support shown for the venue through the funding to the Trust is important, adding if the Trust gave it back to the council, the authority would have to maintain it.

The debate on both points of view are being continued in light of new financial arrangements to continue the grant being considered – the current agreement runs out at the end of this council year.

Leader of the Council, Coun Jane Scullion describes the site as “a world class cultural destination” bringing Calderdale benefits and deserving the support.

“The Piece Hall has strengthened Calderdake’s national and international profile as the place to be for culture, heritage and music, re-affirming the major role that this unique destination plays in the identity and economy of both Calderdale and West Yorkshire.”

But the council’s Liberal Democrat group leader Coun Paul Bellenger is among those questioning the funding when there are competing priorities councillors have to consider in cash-strapped times.

“That money is vital and that could go into important services that we need to maintain rather than into the Piece Hall that’s now financially starting to do better.

“And surely at the end of the day, you know, they can do without that £225,000 – they need to be self-sufficient and not reliant on the taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Piece Hall Trust representatives had told the scrutiny meeting the Piece Hall needed the support, pointing out that unlike most major heritage sites it was free to enter and, as it does not have one, cannot raise extra income from car parking.

Chair of the Piece Hall Trust, Orphy Robinson, stressed the economic benefit the Piece Hall brings to Calderdale.

“Funding the Piece Hall is an investment in the future that benefits the entire borough financially and socially.

“It brings three million visitors and £90 million a year into the economy, supporting countless local jobs, businesses and opportunities for young people, helping create a thriving town everyone can be proud of,” he said.