Decision details

To seek formal approval for the harmonisation of fees and charges across the in-house managed leisure centres, to be implemented on 1 April 2014.

Following consultation with officers I give notice that I intend to make the decision set out in the attached report. If you would like to make any representations to me on this issue please do so by 14 March 2014.

Wiltshire Council has been working towards the harmonisation of fees and charges across the Council managed facilities since 2009.  Memberships and sports hall hire/block bookings have already been harmonised.  Whilst the remaining fees and charges were originally intended to be gradually aligned over a three year period, it is now proposed that harmonisation takes place in one year with effect from 1 April 2014.  This enables the Council to set in place a consistent pricing structure in advance of the Campus Transformation programme.

Three options have been considered:

(i)               Do nothing and continue operating the fees and charges as at present.

(ii)              Harmonise all remaining fees and charges in April 2014.

(iii)            Phase the harmonisation of fees and charges over the next three years to be completed by April 2016.

Wiltshire Council has been working towards the harmonisation of fees and charges across the Council managed facilities since 2009, whilst integrating the management of charges with the delivery of certain objectives:

·          Working towards ensuring that there is consistency across the county for similar activities.

·          Where possible, set prices at a level that allows everyone to make positive choices about healthy activity without cost being a significant barrier.

·          Ensuring that prices remain competitive and are seen to offer good value for money for, and by, the community and include the flexibility to target subsidy at a particular group or service.

Leisure Services undertake a biannual customer satisfaction survey. With regard to fees and

Charges; the results of the 2012 survey completed by 583 people concluded the following:

What three factors are most important to you when you visit the centre?

Parking:           10%                 Cleanliness:                19%                 Pricing:               18%

Welcoming:     18%                 Activities Available:     11%                 Activity Range:            9%

Helpful Staff:   11%                 Catering:                     1%                   Other:                 12%

The leisure centre and memberships provide a good variety and value for money:

67% agreed                 22% neutral                 11% negative

In conclusion pricing and value for money are important to customers.