Leisure firm responds to its critics

THE company which runs eight Cardiff leisure centres has responded to criticism that it is cutting access to fitness classes for children.

There has been criticism that GLL, which has taken over control at the eight leisure centres, has made changes to junior memberships which will exclude children.

Parents say the changes have forced them to withdraw their children from classes for financial reasons. They also fear it will increase inactivity in the city.

Dad-of-two Simon Braybrook, a GP partner at Butetown Medical Practice, said the changes have left him “deeply concerned”.

He said there is a public health crisis in terms of obesity and inactivity.

“This disproportionately affects people in deprived areas such as the one I work in – there is an 11-year disparity in life expectancy between wealthy areas of Cardiff and areas such as mine.

“The Welsh Government and Cardiff council have made some bold statements in terms of addressing this issue. However, the decision to restrict access to activities in our capital’s leisure centres has just added a massive financial barrier to many of the poorest, most at-risk children from getting active.

“I frequently consult with patients about their physical activity, including children. Until this announcement, I have been a vocal promoter of the Active Card to my patients.

“The provision of open access to courses and activities, especially for children, not only makes it much more affordable, but also encourages them to try activities that they would not otherwise. These children often simply do not believe sport is for them, and Active Cards open a variety of opportunities so every child can find a way to become active.

“I recognise the council is in a difficult financial situation, but taking away access to affordable physical activity from those who can least afford it is not the way to fix it.”

At a meeting of the economic scrutiny committee, GLL director Juliette Dickinson was asked about changes to junior memberships.

She was asked by Councillor Nigel Howells whether an assessment about the impact of changes on a community had been carried out.

He said the council would have been obliged to carry out an impact assessment if they had control of the centres.

She said she “wasn’t sure” if the company was obliged to carry out an assessment, adding: “That’s not to say we’re not concerned about being inclusive or accessible.”

She said previous membership offerings were not “fair”.

“It is a card that was withdrawn because the council realised it wasn’t affordable. It was giving too much away.

“What we have been left with is a card where some people have these privileges. We have no idea if they are from a deprived area or can afford to pay more.

“The card is not fair. We’re trying to find something we feel gives value for money.”

She said she was investigating the possibility of a “bolt-on” charge for people wanting to take on a second class.

Cabinet member Peter Bradbury said he had been responsible for the withdrawal of the card and said it was not about cost, but because it was resulting in block bookings of classes which were then not attended.

He said an instructor would expect 20 people, but only five or six would turn up.

He said it was the first year of a longterm contract and lessons were being learnt about how to communicate changes better.

The scrutiny committee will send its recommendations to GLL.