CHANGES are afoot that could see the over 60s in Redditch having to pay to swim as the Reddicard system is ‘streamlined and improved’.
Council proposals to change the popular and widely-used Reddicard could see many older people forced to pay following a meeting of the borough’s executive committee.
The card offers members concessionary prices on various council sports and hire services in Redditch and at the moment, those under the age of 16 and over 60 with the card can use its swimming pools free of charge.
However, that could be about to change.
The borough council has been forced to make a series of economies following repeated cuts in its grant from central government and at a meeting on Tuesday the authority’s executive committee considered a number of proposals including introducing a £2.10 charge with Reddicard on swimming for over 60s considered able to afford to pay.
This was felt to be the best option and when put to the vote was carried with Conservative members, Councillors Juliet Brunner (M’boro) and Brandon Clayton (ABank & Feckenham), voting against.
The will now be go forward to be voted on by full council.
Council Leader Bill Hartnett (Lab, Church Hill) said: “Making changes to charges is never something we enjoy doing, but we believe this option, to protect the free swimming for under 16s and charge only those over-60 residents who can afford to pay, is the best option.”
