The University of Sheffield was forced to back down in a row over controversial gym refunds today following pressure from students and Sheffield councillors.
University bosses agreed to reverse their controversial refund policy, which left students unable to claim money back after the swimming pool was closed for six months.
The University admitted students should have been given longer to apply for refunds in a letter sent to local councillors.
A spokesperson from the University confirmed members who have not applied for refunds would still be able to do so and recieve payment.
In November Forge Press launched a campaign to get members their refunds after S10 Health, based on Northumberland Road, broke its contract with members.
The campaign received support from hundreds of students at the University, the Students’ Union Council as well as the backing of local councillors and the full Sheffield City Council.
In a letter sent to city councillors the University Registrar Philip Harvey said the period of time for people to submit applications to receive refunds had been too short.
The letter says “applications received after 1 September 2011 for refunds will be processed.”
Harvey goes on to say that no further delay will take place in processing the claims.
Forge Press revealed members should have been refunded by the gym in the month after works on the swimming pool, which was closed from November 2010-May 2011, ended.
S10 Health’s 2010-11 contract to members said “you will receive a reasonable pro-rata credit against your Monthly/Annual membership fee in the month following the completion of upgrade or repair.”
But members were not automatically refunded and had to approach the gym for refunds, and a deadline of September 1 2011 was set for claiming refunds, without telling members.
After the deadline passed no more refunds were accepted and the University refused to pay any more refunds.
Harvey’s letter to councillors said: “Sport Sheffield did believe that the period between November 2010 and September 2011 was a reasonable period in which applications for recompense could be made. However in retrospect we should have extended the period in which members could submit their claims for recompense and this will now be rectified.”
National consumer group, Consumer Focus, said S10’s response showed a “disregard for the law or a complete lack of understanding.”
The letter from Harvey, who is responsible for the successful operation of the complete spectrum of Professional Services, was sent on January 5 2012 following the City Council’s support of the campaign.
A spokesperson from the University of Sheffield said: “Customer satisfaction is a top priority and Sport Sheffield will now process all valid and legitimate refund claims submitted after 1 September 2011.
“Notification is currently being sent to all members to inform them applications for refunds can still be made.
“To reflect future refurbishment and investment at the Goodwin Sports Centre a pricing and strategy review is set to take place with any adjustments due to come into force in September 2012.”
Students’ Union Sports Officer Ben Baldwin said: “It’s very good news I think the University listened to its students and also to the local community. I think it’s really good that students have managed to make a difference to the University and well done to Forge Press.”
Broomhill councillor Paul Scriven, who put a motion to the City Council to support the campaign, said: “It is only fair and right that the students get a full refund as it appears under the terms of their agreement.
“I’m delighted that the University has confirmed that all members will now receive their refund. I’m pleased that as a local councillor I was able to support students on this issue but the congratulations need to go to Forge Press and student groups for taking the initiative on this campaign.”
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