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Caithness.org News Bulletins |
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| Sept 2002 Index | |||
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September 2002 |
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A Smart Card Revolution At Highland Leisure
Facilities
The new set up comes under the heading oh "High Life" and covers a pricing policy for every member of the community no matter what their circumstances. From £12.50 a month for an individual and £17.50 for a family the new High Life cards offer great savings over single entry payments. In fact a family of four using the facilities three times a week would save over £40 a month. By making a monthly payment by direct debit or one annual lump sum the facilities are assure a regular cash flow and users have the low payments spread evenly over the year. Family membership requires that families live at the same address, and is defined as 2 adults plus children.
There are also at present 2 Happy hours in both pools this is a period when any non member can have a swim or use of the fitness suite for 50p. But the new smart cards have many other benefits. Once families have the card parents can pay money into the card and ask that the pool restricts the mount children can spend in Leisure facility shops or snack bars. Parents can pay in any amount but smaller amounts are recommended in case the card is lost when the money on the card is also lost. However no one else can use the card as it carries photographic identification. If cards are found they can be handed in and will be returned in due course to the rightful person. As the High Life smart card is able to be used anywhere in the Highlands it is worth taking it with you on trips with the kids where they may spend an enjoyable hours letting off steam while you go shopping or attend to other business. See below for list of places where the High life Card can be used. In order to use the fitness suite you have to have an induction which will cost £2.50 What Does It cost To Use The Leisure Facilities? Where the High Life Card Can Be Used In addition cards can be used at local libraries to borrow books as all your information will be contained on the card. |
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For people on low incomes such as pensioners or the
unemployed there are special deals allowing access to facilities for only
50pence a time. This section of the new schem covers anyone in
receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income based) and
Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. A holisitic
approach to its customers has led the Leisure Department to consider that
people on low incomes may need other help and their leaflet also directs
people to other advice centres to ensure they have all the benefits they
are entitled to in an effort to ensure they do not miss out on things like
sports and other activities for a healthy lifestyle due to lack of money.
They point out that even qualifying for a very small amount of benefit
- seemingly not worth much can open doors to many other savings - such as
the low cost access to leisure facilities. anyone in doubt should contact
local advice centres such as CAB.