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Southwold Camping Site Fees to Increase by 5% Following Council Decision

East Suffolk Council has approved proposals to increase fees at the Southwold Harbour and Caravan Campsite by five percent to address rising operational costs and sustain service quality. 

The decision follows a report prepared by James Butler, the council’s interim estates manager for resorts, which outlined the financial pressures caused by inflation, wage increases, and ongoing maintenance needs.

The fee adjustments will apply to visitor mooring charges, stage use, storage ashore, and holidaymaker rates. 

According to the report, the increase is intended to generate the necessary revenue to maintain the high standard of services provided at the site

Butler noted that without the adjustment, the council might face a decline in service quality or need to implement steeper price hikes in the future.

Councillor David Beavan, representing Reydon, Southwold, and Walberswick, expressed support for the proposal during the council meeting. 

The plan was presented by deputy leader Paul Ashton, who emphasized that the fee increases are a direct response to rising costs. 

“While inflation in September was between 2% and 3%, there is a certain amount of catching up with previous inflation rises coming through in increased costs incurred by the harbor and campsite,” Ashton explained.

The decision comes as the Southwold Harbour camping and caravan site prepares for redevelopment aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and boosting revenue through enhanced caravan plot availability. 

Ashton also highlighted the need for proper rates to ensure the financial viability of the harbor amid challenges such as rising sea levels and structural wear. “We really need to charge proper rates to keep our income up, unfortunately,” he said.

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, the site’s redevelopment follows concerns raised last year by caravan owners about potential changes to the licensing model, which may include a 20-year lease term. 

Some owners viewed the proposed duration as excessively long and worried about being displaced by the updates.

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