I have been in an email conversation with our Alderman David Graves these last six months trying to get to grips with what our service charges go to in terms of contributions to the Community Centre. The below (in italics) is what has been provided by the Corporation which David kindly passed on to me.  It seems the bulk of our costs amounting to some £25,000 go to business rates. 

Why are we contributing to business rates at all for a community centre? If it's because of the commercial operations of the bar, why are we effectively subsidising a business? And where is the money from renting out the community hall room going?

"The majority of the charges relate to rates.
£
Community Centre
Repairs & Maintenance 1,437.27
Monitoring of alarms & emergency lighting 1,865.00
Rates 21,829.50
Water rates 829.29
Curtain Wall exhibition 30.00
Total 25,991.06

The charges are offset by income received 2,824.00
less 20% which is reserved for projects chosen
by residents

A rates for the community room were also charged £7,264."