Council stands by higher charges for pitches and changing rooms
Gloucester City Council has confirmed it will not reverse a controversial increase to fees for hiring outdoor sports pitches and changing rooms, a move that has prompted concern from opposition councillors and local clubs that the rises will make sport less accessible.
The changes, agreed earlier this year, affect bookings at Plock Court, Tuffley Park and the King George V playing field in Hucclecote. The council says the new charges will remain in force, while Conservative members have urged the Liberal Democrat administration to reconsider.
How the charges have changed
| Activity | Previous price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult football pitch | £55 | £70 |
| Youth football pitch | £28 | £42 |
| Adult cricket wicket | £63 | £90 |
| Youth cricket wicket | £30.50 | £45 |
| Adult rugby pitch | £55 | £70 |
| Youth rugby pitch | £28 | £35 |
| Changing room (per hire) | £9.50 | £15 |
Concerns from opposition councillors
At the most recent full council meeting, Conservative deputy group leader Sajid Patel of Barton and Tredworth voiced strong objections, warning the increases could put clubs under financial strain and reduce opportunities for young people, particularly in deprived areas.
“This ill-thought-out plan to put up financial barriers and expect people to pay more to hire an outdoor football pitch will undermine community clubs,”
He also told councillors that grassroots organisations had not been consulted before the decision and proposed phasing the increases over several years so clubs could adapt.
What is at stake for local sport
Local amateur and youth teams typically operate on tight budgets and rely on predictable hire costs when planning seasons and membership fees. The council's revisions affect both adult and youth bookings across multiple sites used by community teams, creating immediate budget implications for organisers and volunteer-run clubs across Gloucester.
- Financial pressure: Higher hire costs may force clubs to raise subscriptions or seek additional fundraising.
- Accessibility risk: Conservative councillors argue young people in less affluent parts of the city could be priced out of organised sport.
- Calls for review: Opposition members want the administration to pause and consider a phased approach, though the council has not agreed to do so.
The council has defended the change but did not publish further detail on any mitigation for clubs or potential subsidies. With the charges now in place, clubs and residents must weigh the direct cost increases against continued use of council-maintained outdoor facilities. Debate at the council chamber suggests the issue will remain live as clubs and councillors monitor the practical effects on grassroots sport in Gloucester.
