Issue - meetings

Recommendations

1)    It is recommended that approval is granted to implement a new pricing structure for Active North Yorkshire as set out in this report, specifically this includes:

i)       Implementation of a phased approach to pricing consistency with an initial implementation of a two-tier pricing structure as set out above.

ii)     Removal of fixed term contracts to improve flexibility and accessibility and in response to customer feedback.

iii)    Approve the implementation of a new concession scheme, including senior concession to state pension age (currently 66, increasing to 67 in 2026).

iv)    Approve the principles of introducing on demand fitness and healthcare services, subject to further costs/benefit analysis and procurement.

v)     Approve the proposed learn to swim pricing model, maintaining free access to public swimming as part of the offer.

2)    Approve the measures to mitigate significant price increases and honour existing agreements for existing customers between 60-65 who receive an age-based concession, current gym only memberships at Harrogate and formal price for life agreements at Harrogate.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development setting out proposals for the new approach to membership and pricing for Active North Yorkshire (ANY), including recommendations on the implementation process.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, introduced the report and thanked officers for their work to establish a transparent, equitable and sustainable pricing structure across the county following local government reorganisation.  The review placed greater emphasis on health and wellbeing, improving accessibility to leisure services and supporting partnership work with the health sector. He acknowledged that there were disparities in prices and stated that while the long‑term ambition was a single countywide model, harmonisation at this stage would lead to steep increases for some areas. A phased approach was therefore proposed, with a two‑tier structure reflecting past investment in facilities at Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. It was confirmed that existing commitments such as formal “price for life” memberships would be honoured to avoid undue hardship. Customer feedback received during consultation included support for removing 12‑month fixed contracts and there would be increased flexibility through the offer of monthly memberships.

The Executive Member responded to a question about proposed increases in the Selby area, noting that the Tadcaster gym was smaller, had fewer facilities and lacked a pool, yet fell within the same tier as Selby. It was explained that the membership offered multi‑site access, including to Selby, and that forthcoming new equipment and wider access meant that overall customers would be better served by the proposed structure. The Executive Member confirmed that the Council did not make a profit from leisure services and that the pricing review formed part of a wider investment strategy across the leisure estate and referred to proposals for an on-demand digital and healthcare offer.  Recent correspondence from a resident about historic police and fire service concessionary rates at Thirsk prior to LGR was noted, though it was confirmed that such discounts could not be replicated as they were significantly more generous than any other concession offered.

Resolved (unanimously)

That approval is granted to implement a new pricing structure for Active North Yorkshire as set out in this report, specifically this includes:

i)               Implementation of a phased approach to pricing consistency with an initial implementation of a two-tier pricing structure as set out above.

ii)              Removal of fixed term contracts to improve flexibility and accessibility and in response to customer feedback.

iii)             Implementation of a new concession scheme, including senior concession to state pension age (currently 66, increasing to 67 in 2026).

iv)             Approval of the principles of introducing on demand fitness and healthcare services, subject to further costs/benefit analysis and procurement.

v)              Approval of the proposed learn to swim pricing model, maintaining free access to public swimming as part of the offer.

vi)             Approval for the measures to mitigate significant price increases and honour existing agreements for existing customers between 60-65 who receive an age-based concession, current gym only memberships at Harrogate and formal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 843