Consultation begins on charges for sports facilities

A wide-ranging consultation is underway about proposed charges for the use and maintenance of bowls, cricket, rugby and football pitches owned by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Earlier this year, the council agreed to freeze proposed increases until March 2015 in order to carry out a more comprehensive consultation, before the matter is brought back before members.

Carmarthenshire County Council maintains 59 sporting facilities, but there are approximately 70 other sporting clubs in the county – mainly in the Carmarthen area – that support and maintain themselves.

With continued pressure on financial resources, the council is unable to continue subsidising clubs at the current level, and is seeking people’s views and suggestions towards finding a charging structure – or alternative options – that will help ensure these facilities can be enjoyed for generations to come.

All sporting clubs and organisations in the county – whether they are subsidised or support themselves – are being asked for their views, as well as all town and community councils.

The initial consultation period ends on July 25, 2014, supported with a series of face to face meetings, alongside ‘information exchange days’ to be held at several locations across the county.

All ideas and suggestions made during the consultation will be considered, as well as a number of potential options, including any ideas generated from the consultation, an amended fee structure, a reduction in specification or frequency of maintenance in order to reduce costs, and asset transfer.

Following the consultation, a detailed report will be compiled and considered by members so that an informed decision can be made for 2015-16 and beyond.

Register online to take part in our consultation on the future of charges for county council owned sporting facilities. For further information call 01267 228142.