Outrage over price increase to push up the cost of swimming

Coun John Procter, (Wetherby, Conservative spokesman for leisure), said prices for junior swim lessons are already more expensive than those in Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield.

And he said they are also more expensive than those in comparator ‘core cities’ such as Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

The council now plans to increase the cost of casual adult swim sessions to £4.40. This is despite sessions already costing more than local competitors.

The revised price will make swimming sessions more expensive than Kirklees, where sessions currently cost £4.30.

The price increases are being introduced despite continuing cuts to leisure centre and swimming pool provision.

Coun Procter said: “Increasing the costs of swimming during these difficult times is outrageous.

“We are already one of the most expensive places to swim in the region.

“If Manchester can provide a swimming session for £3.50 why can’t we?

“The administration seems to want to punish people for wanting to keep fit.

“The council says it is committed to keeping people healthy, it seems this only applies if you pay grandly for the privilege.”

A report on the issue by David O’Loan, head of sport and recreation, sounds a warning note on price hikes:

“Competitor analysis reveals that popular local and national competitors appear to have reduced their prices to around or below our levels and the service therefore has to be careful about any further rises...

“It is hard to raise prices when capacity is in excess of demand. The council, despite the closure of East Leeds, South Leeds and Middleton pool and reduced hours at Garforth and Bramley, has some excess capacity in certain areas and at some times.

“If prices are pushed much higher without reducing capacity further the result could be more empty class spaces and under-used pools and sports halls...

“The main risk is that the council could put prices up and cross a ‘tipping point’ beyond which activity falls in reaction; so it undermines healthy exercise, reduces income and increases the cost to the council taxpayer of subsidising services.

“This report demonstrates the research, consultation, observation and thought that has gone into trying to minimise this risk...

“The service will continue in its policy to support groups most disadvantaged therefore proposing a continued freeze for Leeds Card Extra prices (which offer substantial discounts to those on benefits).

“Junior swim lessons are among the most expensive of any public provider in the country, therefore a modest 10p (2 per cent) increase is to be applied despite inflation running at 4.5 per cent.

“It is hoped that the effect of these measures will protect or enhance current levels of income.”

Responding to Coun Procter’s comments, Coun Adam Ogilvie (Executive Board Member for Leisure) said:

“Leeds Council is committed to encouraging people to adopt healthy lifestyles and to keep fit by providing them with excellent facilities where they can exercise in comfort.

“Unfortunately drastic cuts to government funding have meant that we have been forced to introduce a small increase of around 3 per cent to some of our leisure charges, but we have frozen many others such as those for Bodyline membership.”

“The increase in the cost of an adult swim from £4.30 to £4.40 is something we would not do if we had a choice, however this increase is small compared to the 40p rise which Coun Procter himself introduced at the beginning of 2010.”