Council takeover of leisure centres slammed ‘absolute shambles’

By Grant Williams, Local Democracy Reporter

A council’s takeover of eight leisure centres has been described as “an absolute shambles” due to rising costs and changes to membership terms.

Lambeth Liberal Democrat Group claims residents have written to them complaining that the prices for using some facilities have more than doubled.

Lambeth council is pumping a total of £4million into eight leisure centres across the borough that it has brought back under council control.

But the launch, called Active Lambeth, has been criticised by members and opposition councillors due to soaring prices and glitchy booking systems.

Since bringing the contract with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) in-house, the Lib Dems claim to have heard from furious residents about the changes, including that a ‘senior membership’ is restricted to those over 66, instead of the previous 60, and badminton prices for over 60’s have increased.

The council maintain that over-60s will still be eligible for a discount once its systems are updated.

The council is now responsible for managing the centres, setting the tariffs, and operating the booking systems.

But the leader of the Lib Dems at Lambeth Town Hall, councillor Donna Harris said: “We have been receiving a steady stream of correspondence about this absolute shambles of a launch.”

She added: “It is just unacceptable for prices to be hiked and membership benefits wiped away without explanation in this way. Only by showing us a full comparison of the previous GLL tariffs and the new Active Lambeth tariffs can the council begin to unscramble this mess”.

Lambeth councillor Donatus Anyanwu, said: “Whereas some prices have risen in line with inflation, there are now significant new concessions for local people, including free swimming for four- to 11-year-olds.

“There are also significant discounts for children who receive free school meals, adults who have multiple long-term conditions or disabilities, people on benefits and foster carers.”

The council also says that members can access all discounts that were previously available by uploading proof online the first time they book. It claims the documentation couldn’t be automatically transferred across due to GDPR.

Pictured top: Launch of Active Lambeth at Brixton Recreation Centre (Picture: Lambeth council)