Leisure chiefs hit back on prices

Lichfield leisure chiefs have hit back after being criticised for proposing to increase charges by as much as 50 per cent. They say the services offer good value for money.

Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet Member for Community, Housing, Health and Leisure at Lichfield District Council, said the cost to use leisure services in the district were favourable compared to other authorities.

The increased charges will come into effect on January 1 next year if members of Lichfield District Council agree to the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday.

The biggest increase will see the cost to use changing facilities across Lichfield District Council's three leisure centres rise from £1 to £1.50.

The cost of a tennis court for a non-member will increase from £6.40 to £7.90 – a rise of 23 per cent.

The cost for standard pool hire will rise from £60 to £70 – an increase of 17 per cent. Other increases will see a Leisure Activity passport increase from £20 to £22 – a rise of 10 per cent.

Burntwood councillor Steve Norman said it wasn't encouraging people to be active. But Councillor Richards said: "We need to make our leisure service financially viable and to make sure our prices are reasonable."

"We review the prices each year and work to keep them affordable. Our proposed prices compare favourably with other local authorities and private sector leisure services, and we believe, despite the price increases, leisure in Lichfield district will still offer good value for money."

A report compiled by portfolio holders for community, housing, health and leisure, says the cost increases are to provide more financially sustainable facilities and to reach income targets.

The increase in charges will produce an additional net income of £38,000 in 2008 from Burntwood, Friary Grange and King Edward VI leisure centres.