[Neil]

Just looking at it from a different point of view.

When do you think they should or should not charge for the hire?
If they don't charge for charity events should they not charge for local community events as well?
Maybe the question should be what events should be chargeable?
If HBC's venues are going to be hired out rent free who is going to pay the staff, cleaners etc? I suppose if we are all agreeable to the cost going on our Council Tax maybe these venues could be made available for free.