SOON it will be cheaper for those with less money to keep fitIpswich Borough Council is introducing a new set of fees for its leisure facilities where those who earn less, pay less.

SOON it will be cheaper for those with less money to keep fit

Ipswich Borough Council is introducing a new set of fees for its leisure facilities where those who earn less, pay less.

A new system of charges will be introduced on October 1, after widespread consultation with sports clubs and the public.

The Council's Sport and Leisure Spokesman, Councillor John Mowles, said: "We are confident this review will bring a fairer charging system for our customers.

"It would have been easy to carry on in the old way and introduce a blanket increase this year but we wanted to help those who don't have much money enjoy the same advantages as everyone else.

"We want Ipswich to be fitter and fairer and good health should not depend on one's ability to pay.

"We are quite aware that some individuals face a small increase if they, for example, swim only occasionally but there are a number of fantastic bargains to be had if they want to take part more regularly and they can pay by direct debit."

The three charges for individuals will now be based on an affordable adult rate, a discounted price for concessions and a new, lower charge based on people's ability to pay.

This will mean that some fees will rise, some will be fixed while others will fall.

In a further bid to encourage groups such as pensioners to take regular advantage of sports facilities the Council is offering a monthly icard for the use of all pools and sport's centres for £12.50- if they pay by direct debit.

The annual £5 charge for students has also been scrapped.

All the new charges are being put on display this week at sports centres and Crown Pools.

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