FROM April this year charges for Bury's all-embracing leisure services could rise by more than the standard inflation figure of three per cent in a bid to help the Borough reach its £4.8 million cuts programme. In a report to the Leisure Services Committee which met on Monday the departments director Graham Nicholson proposed further increases which he expects will generate an extra £26,800.

The standard inflation figure of three per cent would bring a targeted increase of £17,100 for charges collected directly by the leisure services department.

In addition another £34,200 in charges will be collected by Bury Contract Services under its leisure management contract.

But there's a fly in the ointment.

Mr Nicholson's report to his committee continues: "The managing director of Bury Contract Services believes that the increases in fees and charges over recent years has led to a reduction in attendances, especially evident in particular activities.

"Over the past two years claims have been submitted by BCS under the terms of the leisure management contract for loss of income claimed to be brought about by increased prices.

"The committee should be aware that BCS may submit a claim in 1996-97 for loss of income."

Reporting on increase percentages Mr Nicholson proposes increases on allotments averaging 20 per cent., and assumes that there will not a a price resistance.

Going up by six per cent will be cemetery charges, civic hall fees, entertainments, and some parks charges.

Another parks charge - football - will rise by 12 per cent in line with the Council's policy to move towards full recovery of costs of providing facilities for changing, and showers.

Proposed rises for swimming pools and sports centres have been a subject for discussion between Council officials and the senior officers of Bury Contract Services.

The outcome is that the selective price increases proposed will require a 5.76 per cent adjustment - up to £65,700 - to the leisure management contract sum.

This means that after allowing for the inflation adjustment and a 1.5 per cent 'price resistance', the estimated extra income for the Council will be £14,400.

But with BCS expressing concern that the increases could lead to fewer customers, to stay competitive some charges, mainly weights and synthetic pitch activities, will remain unchanged.

And proposed Health Studio packages at Castle Leisure Centre could be amended from a reduced pay per visit charge for packet holders, to a one-off charge entitling them to unlimited use without further charge.

In the dual use centres average increases are likely to be six per cent, and again Mr Nicholson's report assumes a 1.5 per cent allowance for fewer customers.

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