Sport price rise less than inflation

The cost of using sport facilities in Breckland will rise by less than inflation after council officers convinced leisure contractors to lower their proposed prices.

The cost of using sport facilities in Breckland will rise by less than inflation after council officers convinced leisure contractors to lower their proposed prices.

Parkwood Leisure, which operates Dereham Leisure Centre and Breckland Leisure Centre and Waterworld in Thetford, submitted a pricing structure to Breckland Council which covered the period from April 2009 to March 2010.

But a report to Stephen Askew, executive member for communities, says: 'Officers felt that the price increases were above those expected considering the current economic climate and the guidelines outlined in the relevant contract schedule.

'During negotiations with the contractor, officers were keen to ensure that price increases remained affordable for the target groups outlined in the contract.'

The council accepted a revised pricing structure with an average increase of 3.2pc in order to avoid the default position of an inflationary price rise, estimated at 4.8pc.

For example, a peak-time swimming session for adults at Dereham will rise from �3.35 to �3.45 and from �2.60 to �2.70 for leisure card members.