Aberdeenshire Council is launching a public consultation into plans to raise gym and leisure charges for thousands of north-east residents.
The consultation, which begins today, is being held to find out how services can continue as budget pressures increase.
In February councillors agreed a new charging system to make fees for public services more consistent. As part of the decision, members backed a fresh consultation into leisure fees.
During last year’s budget consultation, 60% of respondents said they would rather pay more for services than see them scrapped.
A new online survey has now been launched and is open for two weeks until Monday, September 12.
The authority has stressed that no final decision has been made whether or not to raise the fees.
Last night councillor Alison Evison, the chairwoman of the region’s education, learning and leisure committee, said: “The council is investing millions in fantastic new sports facilities across Aberdeenshire and we want to maintain that high standard of service in the long run.
“To do that we have to make sure that the services we offer are sustainable but we do realise that potential changes to our prices could impact on different users in different ways.
“That’s why this consultation is taking place, to give Aberdeenshire residents, whether they currently use our sports facilities or not, the chance to tell us what’s important to them when it comes to the sports activities and facilities on offer.”
Vice-chairman Charles Buchan added: “As well as the online survey, the council will be engaging with local sports groups through sessions with officers and we’re also speaking to staff who work
in our sports facilities so they can have their say as well.
“The more people we hear from, the better a picture we can build up of how people are using the services and facilities on offer and how any potential changes to our pricing system could affect them in the future.”
The online survey is available at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/aberdeenshireleisure
