Tamworth Wedding Venue Fees Could Soar 220% in Council Budget Plan
Tamworth Borough Council is set to implement significant changes to its fees and charges structure, with the cost of hiring the Assembly Rooms for weddings potentially skyrocketing by over 200%. The proposals, outlined in budget scrutiny papers, aim to bring the venue in line with similar establishments and adopt a more commercial approach.
Proposed Wedding Hire Increases
The council currently operates three pricing tiers for the Assembly Rooms wedding venue on Corporation Street. Under the new plan, these would see dramatic rises:
- Low Season (Monday to Thursday): Current fee £2,000, proposed increase to £6,000 – a 200% hike.
- Mid Season: Current fee £2,500, proposed increase to £8,000 – a 220% rise.
- Peak Season: Current fee £3,500, proposed increase to £10,000 – a 185% increase.
Council documents state these adjustments, ranging from 185% to 220%, are designed to reflect the unique and bespoke nature of the venue, cover staff time costs, and account for potential income loss from other facilities like the Claymore Lounge.
Financial Strategy and Public Consultation
The fee revisions form part of a broader strategy to safeguard the council's financial standing through savings and revenue generation. In recent budget consultations, two-thirds of participants indicated that increasing charges to raise additional funds was acceptable. Council managers have evaluated the proposals and deemed them reasonable, noting the approach focuses on specific services and facilities to ensure fairness.
Community Benefits: 3G Pitch Cost Reduction
While wedding venue fees are set to rise, the council plans to reduce costs for community groups hiring 3G pitches. The charge for a full pitch hire from September to April will drop from £84 to £80 for community organisations. However, this reduction remains subject to venue approval and a follow-up assessment in September 2026.
Approval Process and Implementation Timeline
Cabinet members are scheduled to convene on Thursday, 19 February to review and authorise the modifications. If approved, the new fee structure will take effect from 1 April 2026, marking a significant shift in the council's pricing policy for key facilities.
