Member fees to rise at council-run leisure centres

Membership fees will rise by £3 a month at the council's 17 sites across Leeds, including Pudsey Leisure Centre

Membership prices at council-run leisure centres in Leeds are set to rise by 11.5% as the local authority seeks to raise funds.

Monthly fees at Active Leeds, Leeds City Council's leisure arm, will increase by £3 to £28.95 from September.

The council, which must save more than £100m this financial year, said it would bring pricing into line with other authorities.

Junior pricing will not increase and there will no longer be a requirement to commit to a 12-month contract.

A council spokesperson said it was still "exceptional" value for money compared with private gyms.

They said: "The last few years have also seen substantial investment into several of our leisure centres.

"This has brought new hi-tech equipment into our facilities as well as improved studio spaces and online classes."

The council said it currently had more than 30,000 leisure centre memberships across its 17 sites, the highest ever, and junior membership had increased since the Covid pandemic.

The council said memberships remained "exceptional" value for money

Standard membership pricing will increase from the current rate of £25.95 per month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The spokesperson said: "Alongside this, we have removed the 12-month contract requirement which gives members a saving and greater flexibility without any long-term commitment as we appreciate the financial situation people are facing."

The council said reduced fees were in place for people with health conditions and those claiming some benefits.

It added: "The council continues to face significant financial challenges.

"We aim to meet those challenges while continuing to invest in our facilities to maintain an exceptional offer to our users at a time when other local authorities are making the difficult decision to close leisure centres."

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