Challenge North Yorkshire Council's two-tier leisure membership
The Issue
Members of Skipton Leisure & Wellbeing Hub enjoy its facilities as part of their commitment to staying healthy and active. The centre provides a great service, is clean and well run and with quality instructors and staff.
However, recent changes in the membership structure implemented across North Yorkshire have left members feeling disappointed and frustrated. Some longstanding members already saw a fairly substantial increase to their membership price in September. Now, North Yorkshire Council has introduced an added tier of membership which gives preferential booking access to those willing to pay an additional £6 a month.
Many members are deeply concerned about this policy shift. These are local authority-run facilities, meant to promote communal access to health and wellness resources. It feels unjust and contrary to the spirit of a community-driven environment to prioritise those who can afford to pay more to get better access.
It is not relevant to say the extra £6 also provides additional benefits - the one fundamental thing we all want is fair access to our local leisure facilities, which are now even less available when a privileged tier gets early access to book exercise classes which are already over-subscribed.
Local leisure centres are intended to serve the entire community, not just those who can easily afford it. By introducing this payment barrier, North Yorkshire Council is creating a divide in accessibility of exercise and wellness resources. This is detrimental to our community’s well-being and contradicts the principles of equality and inclusivity that these public services stand for.
Statistics show that provision of accessible fitness options leads to healthier communities. When financial barriers restrict access, the impact is felt most by those who are already struggling. Equal access to our fitness schedules should not be a luxury but a fundamental right available to everyone.
We propose that North Yorkshire Council rethink this decision. We urge them to revert to a membership system that provides equal booking rights to all members.
Please join us in urging North Yorkshire Council to reconsider. Let’s take a stand for equality, fair access, and community spirit in our public leisure centres by signing this petition.
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The Issue
Members of Skipton Leisure & Wellbeing Hub enjoy its facilities as part of their commitment to staying healthy and active. The centre provides a great service, is clean and well run and with quality instructors and staff.
However, recent changes in the membership structure implemented across North Yorkshire have left members feeling disappointed and frustrated. Some longstanding members already saw a fairly substantial increase to their membership price in September. Now, North Yorkshire Council has introduced an added tier of membership which gives preferential booking access to those willing to pay an additional £6 a month.
Many members are deeply concerned about this policy shift. These are local authority-run facilities, meant to promote communal access to health and wellness resources. It feels unjust and contrary to the spirit of a community-driven environment to prioritise those who can afford to pay more to get better access.
It is not relevant to say the extra £6 also provides additional benefits - the one fundamental thing we all want is fair access to our local leisure facilities, which are now even less available when a privileged tier gets early access to book exercise classes which are already over-subscribed.
Local leisure centres are intended to serve the entire community, not just those who can easily afford it. By introducing this payment barrier, North Yorkshire Council is creating a divide in accessibility of exercise and wellness resources. This is detrimental to our community’s well-being and contradicts the principles of equality and inclusivity that these public services stand for.
Statistics show that provision of accessible fitness options leads to healthier communities. When financial barriers restrict access, the impact is felt most by those who are already struggling. Equal access to our fitness schedules should not be a luxury but a fundamental right available to everyone.
We propose that North Yorkshire Council rethink this decision. We urge them to revert to a membership system that provides equal booking rights to all members.
Please join us in urging North Yorkshire Council to reconsider. Let’s take a stand for equality, fair access, and community spirit in our public leisure centres by signing this petition.
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Petition created on 19 October 2026