Issue - items at meetings - Seafront Fees and Charges 2013/14

Report of the Interim Lead, Cultural Services (copy attached)

            RESOLVED - (1) That Members approve the fees and charges for  Venues for 2013/2014 in appendix a to the report;

            (2) That Members approve the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2013/14 in appendix b to the report;

            (3) That Members approve the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2013/14 in appendix c to the report; and

            (4) That Members approve the fees and charges for Sports Facilities and Golf Courses for 2013/14 in appendix d to the report.

53.1    The Committee considered a report of the Interim Lead for Culture seeking approval to the proposed fees and charges for 2013/14 across four service areas, for venues, outdoor events, the seafront, sports facilities and golf courses. The changes, if agreed, would be implemented from April 2013.

53.2    The Commissioner for Culture explained that fees and charges for services were reviewed annually in line with the Corporate Fees and Charges Policy. The Council’s Financial Regulations required that any increase proposed over and above inflation were agreed by council, they also stated that it was good practice to report on fees and charges that were rising by inflation only.

53.3    The Commissioner for Culture outlined that the report covered four service areas and all charges were included in the appendices to the report. The body of the report contained more detailed information on the areas where the increases were above inflation. Two areas; venues and events were increasing charges by inflation. In the areas of Seafront services and Sports facilities, there were charges over the rate of inflation. In sports, a Concessionary Card scheme was proposed which would be targeted towards people on lower incomes and offer a 40% discount. Despite the price increases needed to fund this scheme, general prices for sports activities were still in all cases, on or below the regional average for these activities.

53.4    At the invitation of the Chair, Mrs Penny Morley, spoke in her capacity as a representative of the Older People’s Council expressing concern regarding the impact which some of the increases could have for retired residents who were on a fixed income. The benefits of remaining active and fit were recognized and it was important that the level of fees charged did not deter people from using facilities. The Chair, Councillor Bowden explained that it was proposed that a new Concessionary Card would be introduced from 1 April 2013 at all sports facilities with facilities managed by Freedom Leisure under their contract. It was anticipated that the scheme would increase participation in sport and physical activity by traditionally low user groups for whom price was a particular barrier to taking part. It was proposed that the scheme would be available to customers in receipt of a range of benefits including Pension Credit and would provide a discount of 40% on a range of activities.

53.5         Councillor Brown stated that whilst she understood the necessity to make some increases she was concerned that some of them appeared very high for example those proposed for a family ticket to use the Volks Railway, where a significant rise was proposed. It was important not to raise prices to the point where they would deter use, especially in the current financial climate. Permission had been given for the sand sculpure exhibition to take place close to the Volks terminal J, it was hoped that this would encourage more visitors to that part of the seafront and to raise fares to a level which could deter them could be counter-productive. Councillor Brown also considered it was important not to deter young people from using the facilities by setting fees too high. Whilst the Concessionary card could assist some users there would a number of people who would fall just above that threshold.

53.6         Councillor Morgan welcomed the concessionary card. He was in agreement that the proposed rates for using the Volks Railway, significantly above inflation, did not sit well with the other proposed increases. He also considered that in order to encourage proper take up of the concessionary scheme it was important that this was actively promoted.Councillor Fitch stated that he would not express a view on fees and charges as they related to the budget and he wished to reserve his position until the matter was discussed at Budget Council.

53.7         The Commissioner for Culture explained that a balance had been sought in proposing the increases suggested across these four service areas, regards being had to price sensitivity and to comparable facilities elsewhere. The rationale for the proposed increases in relation to the Volks Railway were set out in the report. It was recognised that the Volks Railway was unique and as such it was difficult to compare it with other visitor experiences its prices were still considered to provide good value for money. The proposed Sand Sculpture attraction at Black Rock provided the potential for an increase in demand and there was an aspiration to extend the period during which the railway ran.

53.8         CouncillorWealls stated that he did not consider that enough information had been given to ascertain whether the levels of increase proposed for the Volks Railway were appropriate. He was not convinced that the principle of increasing some prices above inflation in order to support a Concessionary Card were compelling he considered that it might be possible to cut the cake differently and more imaginatively in order to provide this. For instance greater income would result from increased usage, but if fewer people used these facilities by virtue of the increases proposed, such increases would be counter productive. Councillor Janio concurred in that view and considered that greater imagination was needed in determining the level of fees.

53.9         The Chair stated that it was recognized that there was a cross over point at which if fees were to high use would diminish and measures were in place to ensure that usage was monitored very carefully to ensure that did not happen.

53.10    The Commissioner for Sports and Leisure explained that the scheme would be administered by Freedom Leisure who invest in the facilities and would take the risk of the scheme. Take up and use of the card would be carefully monitored.

53.11    Councillor Littman stated that no one wanted to automatically raise fees but the rationale them was clearly set out in the report.

53.12    Councillor Smith expressed concern regarding the levels of increases proposed in some areas referring to arrangements in the past for free senior citizen swimming and free children’s swimmming. He considered that such arrangements should be retained. It was not appropriate to make significant increases at the present time.

53.13    Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that it was important to keep up the impetus of the Olympics and that the proposals which would encourage greater take up by those for whom price could be a barrier to participation should be welcomed. In the face of current budget constraints, although regrettable, increases were necessary.

53.14    In answer to questions by Councillor Janio, the Principal Account explained the budget process and confirmed that the Fees and Charges had to come to this Committee prior to Budget Council in order to comply with the budget process included in the Budget Update reports to Policy and Resources Committee in July and November 2012. The fees and charges  and the estimated levels of activity based thereon,had been reviewed in accordance with the Fees and Charges Policy and it was anticipated that the proposed fees and charges based estimates levels of activity would achieve the income targets included in the draft 2013/14 budget strategy. The Legal Adviser to the Committee confirmed fees and charges proposed were considered to be proportionate and reasonable.

53.15    CouncillorJanio suggested that when considering the recommendations, those for the Volks Railway be considered separately, but was advised that this would not be appropriate. It was however agreed that each of the four recommendations would be separately voted on.

53.16    Councillor Fitch had beeninstrumental in setting up a local charging rate for Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre when the favility was first built. He indicated that with the introduction of the Concessionary Card it was now appropriate to end the local charging rate.

53.17    The Leisure Facilities Manager explained that there were some unknowns and areas of risk which were being covered by Freedom Leisure. A careful, balance had been sought for 2014/15 a years data would be available for the Concessionary Card and further adjustments could be made as necessary. Officers could not unilaterally impose a different regime of fees on its leisure contractor without negotiating them with them first. Councillor Morgan agreed that it would not be appropriate to change the recommendations in the absence of a proper written amendment.

53.18    RESOLVED – (1) That Members approve the fees and charges for Venues for 2013/14 set out in Appendix A to the report;

(2)That Members approve the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2013/14 in Appendix B to the report;

(3) That Members approve the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2013/14 set out in Appendix C to the report; and

(4) That Members approve the fees and charges for Sports Facilities and Golf Courses for 2013/14 in Appendix D to the report.