Changes To Membership Payments (2025)

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====== Changes To Membership Payments (2025) ======
At the Q4 2025 General Meeting a resolution was debated and passed to alter the way in which we accept membership payments.

==== What has changed? ==
In summary, the changes are to:
  - Introduce a minimum membership payment of £5pcm (this has been suggested but not required for some time)
  - Maintain £15pcm as our recommended standard monthly payment as this reflects the true cost of running the space
  - Account for the portion of any payment over and above £5pcm as a donation
  - Require all membership payments to be made via Direct Debit (the option of standing order has not been advertised to new members for some time)
  - Account for all other payments outside of a membership Direct Debit as a donation by default

Whilst we have not advertised standing orders and have suggested £5pcm as our affordable ('Supported') option for some time, a minority of our members will have to change the amount or method of their payments.

==== Why? ====
This change is to enable to Hackspace to continue to grow without the administrative and financial impacts of VAT registration, and to potentially enable the collection of Gift Aid should we transition to a charity structure in the future.

The full text of the proposal can be found [[governance:meetings:2025:q4|here]], however in short previously we did not account for payments for membership benefits separately to donations meaning these were all eligible for VAT in their entirety. This would have lead to us reaching the threshold for mandatory VAT registration in the not too distant future if we continued to grow.

We now account for these separately, meaning donations (including top-up portions of membership Direct Debits over and above the minimum, as well as variable, irregular, and unsolicited payments) no longer count towards our VATable income. This does, however, require us to establish a minimum payment for membership at a reasonable market rate. We have chosen to set this at £5pcm as this has been our suggested minimum for some time, and is also established as the minimum amount at other Hackspaces.

Please note, this £5pcm figure is not reflective of the true costs of running the space, and is not possible without the majority of members opting for the top-up donation to our suggested payment of £15pcm or more.

==== I am a Member, what do I need to do? ====
If you:
  * Currently pay £5 or more by Direct Debit – Nothing! But consider reviewing the amount of your Direct Debit if your financial circumstances have changed.
  * Currently pay less than £5 by any method – Move to one of our Direct Debit options by the deadline to retain membership.
  * Currently pay any amount by standing order – Move to one of our Direct Debit options by the deadline to retain membership, and cancel your standing order with your bank (this is not automatic when moving to Direct Debit, and we cannot cancel these from our end) OR continue to pay a standing order as a donation to the space, but be aware this will no longer count towards membership.

=== Direct Debit options ===
For clarity, the current options presented to new incoming members are below:
  * Supporter - £25pcm. If you’re able to give more, this level helps strengthen the whole community – it not only supports the space but also makes it possible for others to join at the supported rate.
  * Standard - £15pcm. This is the level most people choose, and it helps cover the real cost of keeping the space alive and thriving for everyone.
  * Supported - £5pcm. This option is here for anyone who might find the standard rate difficult. You’re just as much a part of the community, and your membership is made possible thanks to others giving a little extra.

Custom amounts (>£5) are also possible, please contact the Committee. Please also contact the Committee to switch between Direct Debit options.

==== When do I need to do this by? ====
February 1st 2026 to retain membership. Ideally sooner!

==== How do I change to Direct Debit? ====
Visit the link below (login required) and enter details matching your existing membership. Please also remember to cancel your standing order with your bank to avoid paying twice, as we cannot alter or stop standing orders on your behalf. 

<btn type="default" modal="modal-meetings">Logged in members click here to see link</btn>
<modal id="modal-meetings" remote=":membersonly:direct_debit_migration"></modal>