Changes to Passport to Leisure

 

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council began Passport to Leisure (PTL) in 1979 as a means of promoting sport and active recreation. Originally offering lifetime membership, this was amended to a five year term in 1997.  Further changes followed with the membership period reduced from five years to twelve months, culminating in a new charge of £10 per year in April 2009. By July 2010, the number of card holders in the borough had fallen to 8855 people, with just 7.3% of the eligible population of the borough holding a card.

 

An Audit Commission Inspection report in 2007 concluded that it did not regard the service as offering value for money and a robust assessment of need was required, together with a new approach to fees and charges in order to meet that need.

 

Nuneaton and Bedworth has always recognised the value of leisure and active recreation and has invested considerable resources in ensuring that quality facilities and programmes are available.  We intend to continue to do so, despite having to implement very severe cuts to our budget for 2011/12 and with even greater savings to be made in 2012/13.  Members are determined not to close leisure centres or other cultural facilities.

 

We will continue to ensure that our young people up to the age of 18 and in full time education, over 60’s and disabled residents qualify for the PTL card and this will now be free of charge.  We are not able to offer adults between 18 – 59 years the same subsidy and they will pay non PTL prices unless in receipt of the following benefits:

·        Income support

·        Job seekers allowance

·        Housing Benefit

·        Council Tax Benefit

 

This new PTL criteria, together with the increase in adult PTL prices will enable us to target subsidy to those in most need and also help us to continue to maintain and invest in our leisure services. The scheme will be reviewed by Members annually.