Leisure Centres to increase pay-as-you-go prices after bailout from Kirklees Council

Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the largest local operator of leisure facilities, has come under fire for increasing their pay-as-you-go prices even though they were recently bailed out for £6 million by Kirklees Council and closed several prominent leisure centres, including the Deighton Sports Arena and Batley Baths and Recreation Centre.

KAL has cited the Covid-19 pandemic as the cause of their financial strain, with the additional financial support required from their crucial partner, Kirklees Council.

They have also claimed that the recent, ongoing increases in energy costs and associated cost increases in other supplies and services have made their financial position extremely challenging.

As a result, KAL has reviewed their pay-as-you-go prices and will implement new prices from 1st April 2023. They claim to have tried to keep costs as low as possible, but with a need to reflect the high rate of inflation and the financial pressure they face.

‘Criticism’

However, this decision has been criticised by the public, who feel that KAL should not be increasing their prices after already being bailed out by Kirklees Council and closing several leisure centres.

KAL came under intense scrutiny late last year after making the decision to close several prominent leisure centres in an effort to save money and cut costs. The decision was met with several protests and pushback from local community groups, who felt they had no say in the matter.

Read more: Deighton Sports Arena and Two More Kirklees Active Leisure Centres to Close Amid Rising Costs

KAL has defended their decision, stating that they have discontinued some pricing categories and removed anomalies, such as bringing its pay-as-you-go fitness class pricing in line with a Fitness Suite visit. They also offer memberships and a Flexi-card that they claim provides regular customers excellent value for money.

Despite the backlash, KAL has reiterated their commitment to providing as many opportunities as possible for local people to be active. They have urged the public to continue using their facilities and to take advantage of their membership options.