Summary of "Dumfries Common Good fund Sub Committee - 12th February 2025"

Dumfries Common Good Fund Sub Committee Meeting

Date: 12th February 2025

The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the financial report for 2024-25, the financial plan for 2025-26, and discussing the fishing season review and fee structure for 2025.

Financial Report and Asset Management

The financial report covered income and expenditure for 2024-25, with some retail income still to be accounted for, including from the Robert Burns Centre and the Girl Guides.

The Girl Guides have moved premises and currently generate no rent income. However, a £1,000 annual rent agreement is planned, subject to review.
Members expressed concerns about the lack of detailed financial reporting, particularly regarding asset disposals and income from sales of common good properties. The last comprehensive asset report dates back to 2018.
There was consensus on the need for more detailed financial reports that include:
- A full asset register
- Clearer tracking of income from asset sales
The importance of having a finance officer or expert present at meetings was emphasized to clarify financial matters and answer questions.
The issue of unpaid rent by the Girl Guides was raised, with calls for a report on their financial position and for this committee to decide on any debt write-offs.
Suggestions included incorporating comparative rental income data year-on-year in future reports to better track changes and maximize asset income.
Clarification was sought on the delegation of rent reduction decisions, with a strong desire for this committee to retain oversight of common good asset income.

Fishing Season Review and Fee Structure for 2025

The committee reviewed the 2024 fishing season, noting a steady decline in ticket sales since 2016, largely attributed to mandatory catch-and-release regulations.

Key discussion points included:

Concerns that current daily visitor ticket prices (up to £48) are too high, discouraging uptake.
Several members proposed freezing fees at 2024 levels for 2025 to maintain accessibility, especially for day tickets, while allowing modest increases for season tickets.
Strong support for extending resident ticket eligibility from just Nithsdale residents to all Dumfries and Galloway residents, potentially increasing ticket sales.
Ideas to boost fishing participation included:
- Marketing initiatives
- Incentives such as competitions or sponsored prizes
- Programs to encourage youth fishing
Recognition that catch-and-release policies, while conservation-driven, may reduce the appeal of fishing and impact ticket sales.
Agreement to continue Sunday and grilse-only fishing to extend the season.
Proposal to hold a seminar to gather more detailed data on ticket sales by residency and visitor demographics, and to explore future pricing strategies and marketing plans.
Suggestion to invite representatives from local angling groups to future discussions to incorporate community insights and support.

Conclusions and Next Steps

The committee agreed to:
- Note the financial outturn and plan.
- Continue the small grant scheme.
- Request more detailed financial and property service reports, including asset registers and rental income reviews.
For fishing:
- Freeze 2024 ticket prices for 2025.
- Extend resident ticket eligibility to all Dumfries and Galloway residents.
- Continue current fishing regulations, including catch-and-release.
- Hold a seminar to further explore pricing and marketing.
There was a unanimous call for better financial expertise at future meetings to support informed decision-making.