Leisure prices to rise at centres across Sefton as council looks to keep pace with inflation

Costs for leisure uses at venues across Sefton are due to rise this year, as Sefton Council looks to keep pace with rising inflation and overhead costs such as heating, lighting and staffing. 

Venues affected would include Dunes Leisure Centre in Southport, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Bootle Leisure Centre and Southport Splash World, which is due to reopen soon after being closed for repairs for the past three and a half years. 

The rises would generate Sefton Council an extra £200,800  a year. 

The increases have been put forward by council officers after looking into prices at other nearby leisure centres and local councils, while also being mindful of the current  cost of living crisis.

 The final decision will be made when Sefton Council sets its 2023/24 Budget on Thursday 2nd March 2023. 

In the report, Sefton Council Assistant Director of People (Communities) Simon Burnett  said: “Leisure’s Management Team have proposed the fees and charges for 2023/24 following completion of a benchmarking exercise on local competitor / neighbouring Local Authority prices. Consideration has also been given to the impact that Covid-19 has had on the Leisure industry and the need to continue to recover, the need to be mindful of the cost of living crisis that exists, alongside any potential member disruption as a result of the refurbishment of Dunes Splash World.

“As a result, a decision has been taken for there to be a small uplift in prices that are generally in line with inflation. This will help retain existing members and gain new ones as part of a retention and recovery plan, whilst contributing to increased overhead costs such as heating, lighting and staffing. The estimated additional income these price rises will generate is £200,800 which has been reported as part of the 2023/24 budget package.” 

The rising costs include swimming, for adults from £5.80 to £6.20 (+40p), children from £3.60 to £40 (+40p) and concessions £3.60 to £40 (+40p). 

There are 85,000 adult swimmers a year in Sefton, with 27,000 child swimmers and 5,000 concessions. 

Adult badminton rises at peak from £12 to £13 (+£1) and off peak from £9.50 to £10.50 (+£1) with no change for junior prices (£9.50). 

Fitness classes rise from £8.20 to £8.50 (+30p). 

There will be price increases for Splash World, which has been closed for the past three and a half years, and is due to reopen this year. 

The centre is used by 100,000 people a year when open, and the price rises are estimated to generate an estimated additional £65,000. 

Prices will rise from adults £13.80 to £15 (+£1.20); Juniors, 5-15 years old from £10.90 to £12 (+£1.10), Juniors, 3-15 years old from £9.60 ro £10.50 (+90p), and toddlers, under 3, £4.50 to £5 (+50p). 

Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children will rise from £43.80 to £48 (+£4.20) and family tickets for 2 adults and 3 children will rise from £50.10 to £55 (+4.90). 

Spectator fees rise from £6 to £7 (+£1). 

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre will see increases too. 

Prices for groups of 10 up to 2 hours are up from £130 to £160 (+£30), per group of 10 half day up from £180 to £240 (+£60), per group of 10 full day up from £280 to £340 (+£60). 

Schools get a 10% discount. 

Monthly lake membership – lake access is up £135 to £150 (+£15) and SUP membership is up £150 to £180 (+£30).

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