Shire leisure prices to rise

Controversial price increases for leisure services across Aberdeenshire have been approved by councillors.

The plans, which include ending concessionary rates for over-60s by 2020 was agreedbytheCommunities Committee on Thursday.

In an effort to lessen the impact the higher costs will have for the public in the region, the authority has introduced a capping system. But the plans still seem set to provoke anger.

From April 1, all price rises will be capped at no more than an additional 20% of current rates.

As of 2018, the cap will rise to 50% of current prices, which will increase to 80% in 2019, with full implementation of the policy expected by 2020.

Chairwoman of the communities committee, Councillor Anne Allan, said: “In the last few years, there has been significant investment by the council in new facilities offering sport and physical activities in Aberdeenshire. Residents and visitors to Fraserburgh, El- lon, Alford, Banff and Macduff canallnowenjoymodern, state- of- t he- art facilities ontheir doorsteps, with further developments expected in Banchory, Inverurie and Peterhead in coming years.

“But, at current rates, the council is only recovering 45% of the cost required to provide sports and physical activities, which is not sustainable in the long-term.

“The new pricing structure will allow us to con-

“The council is only recovering 45% of the cost required”

tinue this programmeof investment and sustain services in the future by increasing fees for those able to afford it while at the sametime continuing to offer a range of discounts for young people and those on low incomes.”

The price of a monthly Active Aberdeenshire membership, which gives adults access to council gyms and swimming pools, will rise from £24.10 to £31 by 2020.