Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces setting out the proposed fees and charges for a range of sports and services provided at Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park for 2021-22 and the proposed fees and charges for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies for 2022-23.

The Chair noted that an email had been received from Catherine West MP expressing concern regarding the larger concessionary rate in line with the 40% reduction.

Members were informed that retail prices would be lifted up by inflation, e.g. carparking was to be more aligned with local benchmarking but still remained slightly lower. It was noted that concessions offered a 40% discount and needed to be lifted for season tickets for the Bathing Ponds as acknowledged in the Swim Review. Weddings and civil ceremonies were being booked two years in advance.

Feedback from the Sports Forum and HHCC was highlighted regarding the additional cleaning charge for the changing rooms who proposed a £5 increase.

Members made the following comments:

·         A Member supported the recommendation and felt the increase was reasonable as all Departments were expected to make 12% savings.

·         In response to a query concerning how full and part time dog walkers were split, Members were advised that the dog walker licence costs would apply to full time dog walkers and a pro rata rate would be applied for part time walkers.

·         A Member was surprised that round numbers were not being used especially since the move from cash to contactless payment. Officers confirmed that whilst they were taking the vast majority by contactless payment, cash was still necessary, and it was agreed to keep precise rates as they were small amounts and would be a greater increase if rounded up.

·         Members considered the 5% charge for Forest Schools to be reasonable.

·         A Member noted that a swimming update was coming back to the Committee in May and felt uncomfortable making a decision on the fees now as they had not appreciated the concession issue. It was felt £10 was a large increase and the percentages masked the figures.

·         Another Member highlighted the need to remain open and accessible to all and felt the increases would impact low income and vulnerable users. The Member consequently did not support the increase due to the current challenging period. The Chair reminded Members that the uplift was in line with the decision made by the Committee in March 2020 as the City Corporation offered a 40% concession in all other areas. The Member noted that they raised this objection to the March decision and formally still objected.

·         The Chair acknowledged the dissent voiced by some Members regarding the 40% concession rate, but that Members approved the other recommended fees.

·         Members discussed the options to raise concession rate by inflation (1.3%) or to bring in line with the 40% rate across the City Corporation’s Open Spaces. A Member did not think a vote was justified as the rates were modest and it was unfair to the other Open Spaces who were all suffering huge income pressures and could potentially lead to a bidding war. A Member felt balance was needed and that Members needed to understand the impact on the lower income pool of people and the figures were requested.

·         Officers confirmed it had been an extremely difficult year with huge income losses, but the City Corporation had continually made the choice throughout the year to reopen when possible. The full figures would be brought to the swim community, HHCC and the Committee in May.

·         The Chair proposed a vote be taken based on two proposals: to increase rates in line with the recommendation within the report or to freeze rates until the discussion at the May meeting could take place. A ballot was cast with 10 Members in support of the original recommendation and 5 against it giving a clear majority in favour of the recommendation.

·         The Chair thanked Members for their full exploration of the report and considered debate.

RESOLVED – That Members:-

·         agree the proposed fees and charges for 2021-22 as set out in Appendix 1 of this report;

·         agree the proposed Wedding and Civil Ceremony fees and charges for 2022-23 as set out in Appendix 1 of this report;

·         agree to add Housing Benefit to the Concession Rate Criteria, as set out in para 11.