Somerset Council has confirmed that the Passport to Leisure scheme, which provides discounted memberships at local leisure centres, will officially end on 1 January 2027. Originally established by South Somerset District Council, the scheme offers reduced prices to individuals in full-time education or those receiving eligible benefits such as housing benefit and Universal Credit.
Following the abolition of the district council in April 2023, Somerset Council took over the scheme, which currently supports over 200 residents in the former South Somerset area with discounted access to leisure facilities.
The council has decided to discontinue the scheme to allow leisure operators to manage discount offers directly to eligible users. Each year, approximately 200 people apply for the Passport to Leisure, which grants a 25 per cent discount on standard prices at participating venues.
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Currently, five leisure centres participate in the scheme. Of the 213 active passport holders, 108 are based in Yeovil and nearby villages, 55 in Chard, Crewkerne or Ilminster, 40 in Bruton, Castle Cary or Wincanton, and ten from Langport, Martock or Somerton.
Denis Groves, Somerset Council’s Culture and Leisure Officer, explained that declines in passport holders have been linked to the ongoing closure of the Octagon Theatre and the transfer of Westlands Leisure Centre and Yeovil Recreation Centre management to Yeovil Town Council.
In a written report, Mr Groves stated that ending the scheme will streamline and improve consistency in concessionary leisure pricing across the council. He added that this move will free up administrative resources and generate cost savings for the council.
He also noted that leisure facility operators, including Freedom Leisure, which manages four of the centres, and LED Leisure, operator of Buckler’s Mead Leisure Centre, already offer discount schemes. Freedom Leisure is contractually obliged to provide concessionary pricing under its agreement with the council, which runs until 2036.
Mr Groves confirmed that no new Passport to Leisure cards will be issued after 1 January 2027. Existing passports will remain valid for one year from their issue date, with all set to expire within a year to align with pricing structures. This timeline is intended to provide clear notice to leisure centres and scheme members, allowing a smooth transition to the new discount arrangements directly managed by leisure operators.