Conservatives U-turn on senior concessions price “stealth increase” at leisure facilities

At last night’s Council Cabinet meeting it was confirmed that the Conservative administration had intended the new leisure contract to include an increase in the qualifying age for concessionary fees. However, in answer to a question from Councillor Michael Headley the Portfolio Holder indicated that they were now U-turning on this proposal. However, Cllr Headley highlighted that it was still in the live tender documentation.

Cllr Headley said “It is totally wrong to try and increase leisure fees for many people now entitled to senior concessions through this stealth increase. For instance a swim at Robinson Pool would increase by over 100% from £2.70 to £5.50 for anyone impacted. I am concerned that despite the Conservatives trying to backtrack on this proposal, the actual tender documents still include the proposal to change the concessionary age – this must be changed without delay to remove this threat.”