Lambeth council leisure centre takeover slammed as 'an absolute shambles'

By Grant Williams

A London council's takeover of eight leisure centres has been described as "an absolute shambles" due to rising costs and changes to membership terms. Lambeth Liberal Democrat Group claims residents have written to them complaining that the prices for using some facilities have more than doubled.

Lambeth Council is pumping a total of £4million into eight leisure centres across the borough that it has brought back under council control. But the launch, called 'Active Lambert', has been criticised by members and opposition councillors due to soaring prices and glitchy booking systems.

Since bringing the contract with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) in-house, the Lib Dems claim to have heard from furious residents about the changes, including that a 'senior membership' is restricted to those over 66, instead of the previous 60, and badminton prices for over 60's have increased. The council maintain that over-60s will still be eligible for a discount once its systems are updated. 

The council is now responsible for managing the centres, setting the tariffs, and operating the booking systems. But the leader of the Lib Dems at Lambeth Town Hall, Cllr Donna Harris said: "We have been receiving a steady stream of correspondence about this absolute shambles of a launch."

She added: "It is just unacceptable for prices to be hiked and membership benefits wiped away without explanation in this way. Only by showing us a full comparison of the previous GLL tariffs and the new Active Lambeth tariffs can the council begin to unscramble this mess".

The Liberal Democrat Group have called for the council to publish a full outline of the tariff changes since the takeover, reinstating some of the benefits previously offered to members, and make it so members who live in Lambeth and work away can use a centre outside of the area.

Cllr Harris said: "The three points we have set out are the bare minimum residents should expect from the council now if they are to have any hope of rebuilding trust with users."

Lambeth Council acknowledges that they have increased badminton prices from £6.20 to £7.13 for 60 mins during off-peak times, and from £6.15 to £7.07 for 40 mins during peak times.

Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sport, Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, said: "Whereas some prices have risen in line with inflation, there are now significant new concessions for local people, including free swimming for four- to 11-year-olds. There are also significant discounts for children who receive free school meals, adults who have multiple long-term conditions or disabilities, people on benefits and foster carers."

The council also says that members can access all discounts that were previously available by uploading proof online the first time they book. It claims the documentation couldn't be automatically transferred across due to GDPR. 

Cllr Anyanwu said: "All concessionary arrangements and discounts that applied under the previous contract are still applicable, including discounts for older residents who are over 60 years old, as well as new extra discounts introduced by Active Lambeth for people who are over-66.

"There are also new opening discounts for existing centre members, as well as discounts for new members joining this exciting new service."