Councils in England and Wales accused of excessive fees to run outdoor classes

A new report reveals that some free or donation-based fitness classes held in public parks and beaches operate under commercial licensing arrangements, raising questions about their legal and financial structures. In one case, a yoga instructor in Kent previously led paid-what-you-can sessions on a local beach, suggesting a blurred line between community wellness initiatives and for-profit enterprise. The findings highlight how such programs navigate funding while maintaining accessibility for participants. Critics may scrutinize whether these arrangements comply with local regulations governing public spaces and charitable activities.

Report documents use of commercial licensing for free or donation-based exercise classes in parks and on beachesAt 6am on the beach at Westgate-on-Sea in Kent, Angela Brier-Stephenson used to meet a small group of about 10 people for yoga.The class lasted 45 minutes and participants paid what they could. Continue reading...