Issue - meetings

To review current concessionary pricing within the leisure service.

The Group had before it a report * from the Leisure Manager with regard to reviewing current concessionary pricing within the leisure service.

The officer outlined the contents of the report, explaining that a review of policy to manage peak-time capacity across leisure was designed to ensure capacity to attract demand. Concessionary discounts were currently available to those in receipt of disability allowances, students in full time education and those in receipt of a means tested benefits.

Currently times of access to facilities for these members were not restricted or subject to an additional fee at peak times.  The leisure facilities had peak participation periods between 0800 to 1000hrs and 1630 to 1930hrs weekdays. At the weekend the peak period was fairly consistent between 0800 and 1400 hrs.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The need to encourage this use of facilities and the need to ensure that those that were entitled to concessionary rates were encouraged to use them;

·         In the past concessionary memberships had restricted access but with the facility to pay a ‘top up’ for peak times;

·         Leisure staff would help members to ensure that they got the best membership for their personal usage;

·         The reduction in time that concessionary members would be able to access facilities would be one third of the opening hours;

·         Offerings such as Teen Gym,  swimming lessons, GP Referrals, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Public Health initiatives would not be subject to the time restrictions;

·         A third reduction in fees, to match the third reduction in access would keep concessionary membership below £30, including the proposed 3% annual increase.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Community Well Being make a decision to:

a)    Increase the base line for all leisure pricing by 3%;

b)    That the reduction for concessionary membership be set at 1/3 of the full cost;

c)    That times of access be restricted for those with concessionary membership, as proposed in the report, with an uplift payment available should they wish to attend during peak periods.

({Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: - Report * previously circulated and attached to Minutes.