Review of Sport & Leisure Service Fees and Charges 2007/08
A review of charges for Birmingham City Council’s Sport and Leisure facilities, effective from 1st February 2007, has been agreed by Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture. The council is having to implement price rises in response to rising expenditure levels particularly in relation to energy costs. However, customers who pay by direct debit will be unaffected, concessionary prices will still be offered to customers on low incomes through the “Passport for Leisure” scheme and children aged under 16 will still be entitled to swim for free.
Councillor Hassall said:
“As everyone knows from their own household energy bills, the big increase in the price of gas and electricity has had a severe impact on us all, but its impact on the cost of running our Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools is enormous.
“It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to these rises but we have tried to lessen their impact, where possible. For example, for those who pay by direct debit the payment will be frozen at current rates, this represents great value for money because it entitles customers to unlimited use of facilities at a discounted rate, so people can make real savings.
“Our popular Kids Swim 4 Free scheme will also continue– over 60,000 children are currently members and over 463,000 visits have taken place since the scheme was launched in 2004. The Council’s Passport to Leisure scheme which offers concessionary prices to disadvantaged groups and those on low incomes, will also be continued.
“And as part of our on-going commitment to maintain and improve our Swimming Pools we are continuing our investment programme. The roof over the Pool at Fox Hollies Centre was replaced during the summer at a cost of £373,000, and Linden Road Instruction Pool in Bournville will reopen in the New Year, following a £417,000 redevelopment project. Work has recently begun on a £710,000 programme of improvements at Wyndley Pool in Sutton.
“In setting the proposed prices I am conscious of the need to meet our expenditure pressures, but am concerned to ensure that we still maintain our competitiveness with other providers.”
The revised fees and charges are due to take effect from 1st February 2007.
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