Gloucester City Council’s recent decision to raise fees for booking sports pitches has drawn criticism amid concerns it could damage grassroots sports clubs in the area.
Earlier this year, the council increased the hire costs for football and cricket pitches at key venues including Plock Court, Tuffley Park, and King George V playing field in Hucclecote. The changes have provoked public unease about the impact on local community sports.
For adult football teams, pitch fees have risen from £55 to £70, while youth teams now pay £42 instead of £28. Cricket pitch hire has increased from £63 to £90 for adults, with youth fees going up from £30.50 to £45. Rugby pitch fees have also increased, with adult bookings rising from £55 to £70, and youth rates from £28 to £35. Additionally, changing room hire is now £15, up from £9.50 last year.
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Opposition councillors from the Conservative party have voiced strong objections to the fee hike, urging the ruling Liberal Democrats to reconsider. At a recent city council meeting, Councillor Sajid Patel, deputy group leader for Barton and Tredworth, expressed concerns that the increased fees threaten the viability of community clubs, particularly affecting young people 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 stated. “Grassroots clubs have not even been consulted on this. Sadly, this decision will literally risk tearing the roots out of grassroots sports clubs.”
Councillor Patel proposed a phased price increase spread over several years to allow clubs to better plan their finances, and asked if the council would reverse the hike.
In response, Liberal Democrat Councillor Sebastian Field, cabinet member for the environment, said the fee rises were approved as part of the council’s budget in February. He explained that the increases are necessary due to the council’s financial challenges, including repaying a multi-million pound emergency Government bailout loan.
“I know the Conservative group voted against it, but other opposition councillors did vote for the budget,” he said. “So it’s a bit disappointing to hear complaints now after those votes.”
Cllr Field added that the fees had remained unchanged for a considerable time and were previously below those charged by comparable local authorities.
“We were not covering the cost of our services. This increase is a way to get more towards covering the cost,” he said.
The debate highlights the tension between managing public finances and supporting grassroots sporting opportunities in Gloucester, with local clubs and the council seeking a balance between sustainability and accessibility.
“This ill-thought-out plan to put up financial barriers and expect people to pay more… will undermine community clubs.”
- Councillor Sajid Patel