A membership card is to be introduced in Shropshire which will help offset a rise in fees and charges at council-run leisure facilities across the county.

The initiative is highlighted in a report to Shirehall watchdogs by finance chief Laura Rowley.

Fees and charges represent a “significant source” of income for Shropshire Council and over the past year it will have collected more than £85 million.

It is important, the report says, that fees and charges are set at an “appropriate level” so as to maximise income to the council which is now looking to make budget savings of £7.1 million during the coming financial year.

The strategic overview and scrutiny committee is being asked next Wednesday to back a wide range of proposed increases – and not just for leisure services.

Parking charges are likely to rise from between 10p and 50p, depending on sites and length of stay. The cost of meals on wheels will increase, as will building control charges and taxi licenses. And there will even be a “minimal increase” in Shrewsbury crematorium fees.

Referring to leisure services, where the council is hoping to make savings of £310,000, the report says there were no changes to the fees and charges at leisure centres in 2009/10 in order to give sufficient time to complete a thorough review. It said that although prices will be increased for the coming year, people who buy a membership card will be entitled to lower rates.

Figures show the difference this could make.

For example the average cost of an adult swim for a card holder is put at £3.19 but for a non-member it would be £3.78.

And a round of golf for a card carrier would be £15 but £17.80 for a non-member.