Councils in England and Wales accused of excessive fees to run outdoor classes

Councils in England and Wales are accused of imposing excessive fees on individuals and organizations running free or donation-based outdoor exercise classes in parks and on beaches, according to a new report. The Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life's report, titled "Banned from the Beach: the Crackdown on Outdoor Community Sport," highlights how licensing schemes initially designed for commercial personal trainers and bootcamps have now extended to small community gatherings.

These fees can range from a few hundred pounds per year to £100 for a £8-a-session choir, and they apply to classes regardless of their size or the amount they make. The report documents cases from Thanet, Bristol, and London, where individuals have stopped running their classes due to the financial burden of these fees. Critics argue that the fees bear no relation to the cost of running the scheme and question what the fees are actually covering.

Councils maintain that the licensing process ensures compliance with regulations, safety, and maintenance of public spaces. However, the fees have made it increasingly difficult for some organizers to continue their activities, particularly those who offer them as a passion project or for the benefit of their communities.