Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee received the report reviewing the charges for the Association Football facilities that were provided at Epping Forest. The proposal following a review of charges is to increase the annual fees by 0.6 – 6% to bring prices further into line with comparison sites.

In response to a query regarding the increase in charges, Officers informed Members that although the percentage increase was less than neighbouring boroughs, it was anticipated that the lower rate would help to increase use of the pitches. The City had held Sunday prices for 5 years before increasing by 4% last

season, while it has increased Saturday prices by 10% for 3 seasons until a

3.5% increase last season. The 2016/17 prices increases will bring

Saturday/Sunday price differential closer to the optimum target of 1:1.3 balance.

A Member asked Officers to investigate the future possibility of offering a concession rate to young people to help encourage use of the pitches. One Member also said that the City should seek to offer provisions for other sports such as hockey, netball and rugby.

Resolved – that Members agreed:

· The proposed charges for sports facilities in Epping Forest for 2016/17

· That the Superintendent retained delegated powers to discount or waive charges

for trial periods in order to develop both new pitch configurations and off-peak

and out-of-season use.

· That the Superintendent retained delegated powers to revise the current sport

charges terms and conditions and retain the deposit arrangement for clubs

“block booking? pitches in advance that was introduced five years ago.