The Judicial Review hearing, which the KLPA has been supporting for nearly a year, is almost upon us. The hearing will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice on 23-24 February 2022 and we will let members know how to show support on the day shortly
This is a challenge against the charging regime at the bathing ponds, which we believe excludes many people from such a life enhancing activity, including those whose physical and mental health has benefitted previously from access to the ponds. Claimant Christina Efthimiou, who is a KLPA member, alleges that the new charges amount to disability discrimination and the KLPA is supporting her claim.
The KLPA Crowdfunding page has so far raised nearly £12,000 but we do need to continue to fundraise to meet potential adverse costs and any costs which fall outside the support of Legal Aid. We are grateful for the support from our friends who swim at the Men’s and Mixed Ponds as well as supporters from further afield. Please help us to reach our target by donating here:
It is essential that the bathing ponds do not become an exclusive facility available only to those who can afford the increased and enforced prices. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the KLPA attempted to engage with the City of London Corporation to keep this special place affordable; the background can beseen here and here. Along with the other Heath swimmers’ associations we supported what was known as Option 2, to encourage payment from those who could afford it whilst not excluding anyone else. The City of London Corporation ignored this and the recommendations of its own Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee to vote through increased, compulsory charges in March 2020. Under the cover of the first national lockdown the infrastructure for this charging regime was put in place, and pleas for magnanimity in the face of a public health emergency were ignored.
In 2021 the City proceeded to increase charges disproportionately for concession tickets, for a second year running and that led to the application for Judicial Review. Season tickets prices for concession holders were increased by 15-21% when other tickets went up by 1.3%. The City also continued to refuse to allow for payment by instalment on season tickets which would have helped swimmers on a low income. A Support Fund, which was cited as justification for the 2020 charging decisions, has not materialised. We have asked for evidence of the Social Prescribing which was also promised in 2020 but have not seen this either.
Please take one more opportunity to spread the word to your friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who might support this cause. Every donation helps, however much you can afford. So far more than 360 individuals have made donations. Please donate here:
