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 agreed by the Communities 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.
Chair 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, Ellon, Alford, Banff and Macduff can all now enjoy modern, state-of-the-art facilities on their 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 continue this programme of investment and sustain services in the future by increasing fees for those able to afford it while at the same time 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 any of the council’s gyms and swimming pools, will rise from £24.10 to £31 by 2020.
A new 30% discount will also be introduced for all young people aged 18 and under as well as those under 25 in full-time education.
Looked After Children will continue to be able to access facilities for free. So will carers, who are swimming with the person they are assisting.
The new structure will also change concession rates for over-60s, whose discount will gradually be reduced before being removed by 2020.
