The cost of using City Council leisure facilities is set to rise significantly following the decision by the Conservative-Liberal coalition to implement a new charging structure from April 2010.
Most of the increases proposed are ahead of inflation, thought to try and reduce the council's budget deficit.
Some of the proposed changes include:
- a 20 per cent increase in the cost of adult swimming sessions at the new Active Living Centre from £2.40 to £2.90
- a 15.4 per cent in swim instruction classes for adults up to £45 from £39 (for 10 weeks) on the premise that 'price differential to grow to work towards adults paying 100% more than children'
- a 63 per cent increase in pitch hire (with changing facilities) for Newport and District Football League clubs
- a 73.64 per cent for the same clubs (without changing facilities)
- Charges for wedding receptions at Belle Vue Park will rise from £395 to £44
The Council's Fitness Solutions membership will increase to £32 placing it ahead of Torfaen and Cardiff. The Council argues it must find budget savings towards its £9 million deficit.
The decision has been criticised by Labour Councillor Mark Whiticutt.
He said "Charges are being increased when facilities such as those at Lliswerry, which are needed by the community are being closed. In other words ordinary people are being asked to pay more for less at a time when people need to use these facilities more to cope with the stresses and demands of the recession. I call for a reconsideration of the increase in these charges."
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