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21
Sept 2023
21% price increase at Bewerley Park proved 'prohibitive' to schools
North Yorkshire Council has said a 21% price increase for trips to its outdoor learning centres proved "prohibitive" to some schools.
The council runs outdoor learning sites at Bewerley Park near Pateley Bridge and East Barnaby at Whitby.
It hiked fees and charges by 21% this year to reflect increases in inflation and costs.
However, Teresa Thorp, head of outdoor learning service at the council, said in report:
Ms Thorp added the council had to compete with other outdoor learning centres, such as Low Mill, Robin Wood and Carlton Lodge.
Robin Wood is currently charging £250 for a three day and two night stay compared to £275 at a North Yorkshire Council run site.
Competitor prices for outdoor learning centres. Picture: NYC.
In her report, Ms Thorp said that the market would “not sustain a further price increase”.
As a result, the council has proposed keeping charges the same for the academic year from September 2024 to March 2025.
However, the authority has proposed to increase course fees offered by the outdoor learning service by 6.8% in line with inflation.
It also plans to implement charges for corporate and conference facilities to generate income.
Ms Thorp added:
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