priced out of council amenities

[morningtoncrescent62]

I half-want to be told IABU, or at least have the flaws in my argument pointed out to me...

My council has recently hiked the cost of swimming in all its pools and phased out its most cost-effective season ticket-type options. I love swimming and I've been going regularly for years, but now it's going to become an occasional treat and a luxury because I can't justify the cost of regular sessions. AIBU to resent paying through my council tax for an amenity that's becoming accessible only to those who get free admittance (e.g. unemployed people and pensioners) and to those on high incomes and/or with lots of disposable cash who can afford the high prices? I'm on an above-average salary myself, and it seems wrong that those of us on low and middle incomes who are the majority of council tax-payers in my authority are being priced out of an amenity our council tax pays for.

When I catch myself thinking this I cringe a bit, as it sounds a bit Daily Mail-ish and entitled. And yes I know it's because of the cuts, and no I didn't vote Conservative. AIBU to mind? Should I just thank my lucky stars that we still have a local pool when so many others up and down the country have been closed?

You just have too keep going!

Would it help if you imagined me as a daemon, sitting on your shoulder and urging you on?

I'm also idly wondering if you're posting from inside a library?

Med, they are a long way from me - I presume you mean Carnegie? - but well done to them I say!

It's £4.85 for adults and £3.60 for children/ concessions here. I pay £30 a month for gym and swimming- mainly use it for yoga classes.

DS pays £34 a month for swim squad, which is 4 pool sessions and a gym session each week- a bargain in comparison to paying for the pool.

Hi Helena it's £303 upfront or £30.40 per month which is slightly more expensive.

There is an off-peak one which allows access to everything between 7am and 5pm which is £205 per year (or slightly more if you pay monthly) and they also do concessions for students. There are discounts for people on various benefits and also for carers but it doesn't say how much. Seems to suggest it's the same as students so £13/month for 7am-5pm access or £22 per month for 6am-10pm anytime access. No mention of child prices anywhere either!

I can't find any prices for single sessions for anything on their website though.

We pay the equivalent of GBP 3.90 for 2 hours and "kids" are free up to the age of 25! (Over 18s need to prove they are students).

That gives access to a 4 pools, a hot rub and slides. Plus parking and lockers are free.

Spotlessly clean and a true bargain.

Opps typo

No hot rubs at the pool just a hot tub

Yam, that's not slightly more expensive, it's a lot more expensive to pay monthly!

Expat, I daresay people would pay £7.50 if a hot rub was on offer!

It was only 15 years ago I was going to the baths and a fIver let me have a good day out. Quid for the bus there and back. Quid entry. 1.50 for a chips and gravy at the pool cafe. 20p for the lockers and some change left for a magazine or something.

Derby city council have closed a pool in the city. I can't see that ever being reinstated. It's crazy. Where are children goingto learn how to swim?

Yanbu. Those on middle incomes always get the shit end of the stick everytime. Not poor enough for benefits/free stuff, but not rich enough to afford basic amenities.