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‘Money grab’ by council as charges to be introduced for paid-for activities in parks
A fitness instructor who uses the Downs for his regular classes has called a council decision to introduce a licence to run paid-for activities in Bristol’s parks and green spaces “extremely disappointing”.
Rob Perry of Bristol HIIT Fitness is urging the council to reconsider and instead explore ways to help rather than hinder small businesses.
“Rallying behind outdoor initiatives could benefit everyone in Bristol, young and old,” Perry told Bristol24/7.
is needed now More than ever
A new parks business licence with an annual cost of up to £900 will be needed from October 1 to keep operating legally in parks and green spaces managed by Bristol City Council.
Activities needing a licence include fitness classes, yoga sessions and professional dog walking; but a licence will not be needed for non-commercial activities such as participating in free-to-join groups like parkrun or walking your own dog.
Free events such as parkruns which take place in parks across Bristol every Saturday morning will not need a licence – photo: Martin Booth
Lib Dem councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health & communities committee, said: “Our parks and green spaces are some of Bristol’s most cherished public assets.
“By having this licensing requirement, we’re making sure they remain safe, welcoming and well-managed for everyone who uses them.
“It also ensures that businesses operating in these spaces are properly insured and responsible.
“We’re working to strike a fair balance between supporting businesses that make use of our parks and protecting the experience of regular park visitors who enjoy these spaces for relaxation, exercise and community.”
From October, businesses operating in Bristol’s parks without a valid licence could be fined.
Bristol HIIT Fitness promise to deliver engaging, full body workouts – photo: Bristol HIIT Fitness
Perry said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Bristol City Council is introducing this new tax for using public parks, especially when people already pay council tax.
“With the NHS already under major strain from issues like diabetes, obesity and mental health, we should be lowering barriers to outdoor activities, not penalising those who encourage it.
“Any individual or small group making ends meet will have little choice but to pass this new tax along to the public.
“To levy a new tax on Bristolians who are looking to get active outside, connect and make use of these public spaces for their own health, wellbeing and enjoyment is a sad day.
“These activities are part of the solution and Bristol City Council should be rallying behind this.
“Public spaces are meant for public use, and this feels counterproductive to Bristol’s community goals.”
Perry added: “It’s difficult to think of why and what this new tax is for, other than spending it on enforcement.
“The public toilets are often closed, there is little to no effect on public land and we don’t see anyone requesting any new provision from the council either.”
A petition has been started to ‘abolish the new tax on Bristol people using public spaces’, with one person calling the new charges “a money grab by Bristol City Council inflicted upon honest, well-meaning Bristolians to fund both council ineptitude and a burgeoning welfare bill created by a broken system in need of reform”.
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Read more: Cuts to Bristol’s parks budget branded a ‘plan for decay’
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Bristol’s Labour group leader, Tom Renhard, whose Horfield ward includes part of Horfield Common, has slammed the plans.
“This is nothing more than a desperate cash-grab,” Renhard said.
“If the Green-Lib Dem administration wants more funding, it needs to look elsewhere.
“With little to no notice, they are once again making a dog’s dinner of an ill thought-through and unworkable proposal that hurts working people.
“This barking mad policy will raise a paltry sum but could have a devastating effect on people’s livelihoods.
“This policy needs to be scrapped.
“We hope they do the sensible thing and make yet another U-turn.”
Main photo: Bristol HIIT Fitness
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