Social demographics are altering the landscape of many towns, villages and cities and village halls and community centres have to adapt to survive, says a report published by the Charity Commission today.

Over 9,000 of these organisations are charities and their combined income is around £0.25 billion.

But some trustees are not responding to change and can become stuck in a rut with shrinking user numbers and consequent funding problems.

The Charity commission says communities must make more use of their centres and village halls or risk loosing them.

'Village Halls and Community Centres' is the latest regulatory report from the Commission. It looks at the key role which these community charities can play in their local area and the need for them to make sure they actively keep up to date with the changing needs of their users.

The report highlights the dangers of failing to adapt, outlines the measures trustees can take, and looks at how the Charity Commission can help charities to modernise. It covers areas such as consulting with local people, the use of the governing document, volunteers and users, maintenance and new funding opportunities. It provides a range of illustrative case studies and signposts additional sources of information and help.

The Commission's Head of Regulatory Reports, Neville Brownlee, said, "These community facilities often play a vital role in their local communities and we're impressed with the real differences they can make. But some trustees are not responding to change and can become stuck in a rut with shrinking user numbers and consequent funding problems."

Kevin Curley, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, added, "This report is timely. Village halls have gained a new importance as an essential centre for rural service delivery and with the closure of many rural primary schools their function is more crucial than ever. Community centres remain a vital tool for community empowerment, especially in disadvantaged areas. Those running these facilities need to look creatively at new ways of funding their building and plan for the changes the future will bring."

'Village Halls and Community Centres' (RS9) is available from the Commission's website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk under 'Promoting Effective Performance'.