Charges for using Aberdeenshire Council’s sports and physical activities facilities are to increase. The council’s communities committee agreed to a new pricing structure from 1 April.

To mitigate the impact of the price increases they will be phased in, and by 2020 it will allow the council to recover 60% of the costs. Currently the council only recoups 45% of the costs.

Under the pricing structure some of our prices will rise whilst others will fall. We will continue to offer a range of discounts for young people and those on low incomes.

Under the new pricing scheme, for standard prices, by 2020, the cost of an adult swim will rise from £3.80 to £5, a fitness class charge will rise from £5.10 to £6 and a junior swim lesson will rise from £4.30 to £5.50.

The price of a monthly Active Aberdeenshire membership, which gives one adult access to any of the council’s gyms and swimming pools, will rise from £24.10 to £31 by 2020.

The new structure will also change concession rates for those over 60, whose 60% discount will gradually be reduced before being removed by 2020.

From 1 April 2017 the discount for those on low incomes and in receipt of certain benefits will increase from 50% to 60%. This will include those eligible for free schools meals on a means-tested basis.

From 1 April 2017 a 30% discount will be introduced for all young people aged 18 and under as well as those under 25 in full-time education. If a young person aged 18 or under or someone aged 25 or under in full-time education is from a low-income background they will qualify for a 60% discount.

Looked After Children will continue to be able to access facilities for free as well as carers attending with the person they are assisting.

The hire of swimming pools, rooms, pitches and facilities like tennis courts by groups and groups will increase in some circumstances although if the members of a group using them qualify for concession or junior prices, they will be eligible for a reduced rate.

All existing club bookings through to 31 July 2017 will be charged at the existing rate recognising that clubs will have budgeted for these prices when making their original block booking. All new club bookings from 1 April 2017 will be charged in line with the new pricing policy.