Annual membership fee adjustment

Posted by Peter Burnside on 09/09/2021

The BMC announces move to an annual inflation-linked increase of membership fees in 2022.

After a lengthy decision-making process, the BMC decided it will move to an annual increase of membership fees next year, in line with inflation. This increase will allow the BMC to continue to invest the same level of resources each year into the important work it does to protect the interests of members without these resources being impacted by the rising costs of doing business.

Many organisations and businesses have in place annual adjustments to fees and those who hold mobile phone contracts will likely be aware of these inflation-linked increases already. As per the BMC’s Articles, the Retail Price Index (RPI) will be used to calculate any changes to the cost of our membership subscription. Ordinarily the annual increase will be applied on 1 January. However, to give members and clubs good notice, the first increase will be delayed and will come into effect from 1 April 2022.

We believe the changes are fair and that BMC membership will still be great value for money. We would like to thank our members for their understanding and hope the advance notice of more than six months will allow ample time to plan for and accommodate the change.

Membership fee changes for 2022

From 1 April 2022 membership fees will change to:

Individual Membership – £41.45
Student/Unwaged/U18 – £26.30
Under 27 Membership – £24.90
Family Membership – £72.45
Adult Club Membership – £21.00
Discounted Club Membership – £15.55
Student Club Membership – £17.35
Upgrade from Club Membership – £15.75

READ: The full statement and rationale of the fee increases here

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've launched a U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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Anonymous User

14/09/2021

Why is it cheaper for someone under 27 than a student or unemployed ? Just plain wrong

Like this comment (13)

Anonymous User

14/09/2021

Why are you linking inflation to RPI and not CPI? CPI is recognised as a more accurate measure of inflation for consumer purchases whilst RPI tends to overstate the rate. RPI has also been consistently higher (every year) in the past. Whilst the differences are small they add up to a lot over time. I'm sorry but this feels like an accountant made a "sneaky" decision to the detriment of members. I'm not impressed.

Like this comment (7)

John Booth

14/09/2021

The under 27 rate being cheaper than the unwaged, that would have been a good point to discuss at area meetings or an open forum. I suppose member engagement with BMC policy is a historic thing.

Like this comment (3)

Anonymous User

14/09/2021

What's the difference between an Individual Membership costing £41.45 and the Adult Club Membership at £21.00?

Like this comment (3)

Anonymous User

14/09/2021

Unfortunately, this move means that I will now be cancelling my membership as the costs simply outweigh the benefits.

Like this comment (7)

Anonymous User

14/09/2021

Membership costs should only increase as absolutely necessary, not because of an arbitrary measure of inflation. With mobile phone contracts at least you have the option to keep them short or change after one year. Not the same with club memberships.

Like this comment (7)

Anonymous User

14/09/2021

Just seems unfair that U27 do not have £10,000 Personal Accident insurance cover with their membership...

Also, it would be massively helpful if there would be clear info on the website how much my individual adult membership would go up after a year as unfortunately, this page doesn't provide this info: https://membership.thebmc.co.uk/.

And yes, showing a track record of some consultation with BMC members on prices and letting members vote would be massively appreciated.

Like this comment (4)

Harry Wilson

15/09/2021

More waffle from the BMC.
As another respondent has said CPI is a better measure of inflation.
The BMC constantly trot out the argument for "value for money" but for some years I have wondered how the executive can justify their spending, eg recruitment of more staff on very generous contracts.
The BMC are out of touch with those who pay but apart from a few who challenge their policies Members still carry on paying so the executive and staff can continue their cosy existence.
More critical questioning by the members would hopefully get the executive to concentrate on the real needs of "Mountaineers" rather than vanity projects enhancing the aura of inclusion.

Like this comment (4)

Anonymous User

15/09/2021

So after a year where you had less exposure to insurance claims and what should have been lower running costs due to COVID (less people climbing,, less physical events). Rather than reducing subscriptions or even giving refunds (as some insurance companies have).
You are increasing the charges.
This seems completely counter intuitive.
Dr John A Helm

Like this comment (7)

Anonymous User

15/09/2021

I'm afraid BMC membership will be one of those things I'll be cancelling next year. The benefits to me, are getting too expensive and the executive seems to be more distant from the average member.
I don't like the way this has been decided and see no reason to continue paying a membership on the basis that has been decided.
There is only one way I can vote, by cancelling my direct debit. If everyone does this, perhaps there will be some rethinking!

Like this comment (4)

Anonymous User

15/09/2021

I think that the individual members of the BMC should get to vote on this proposed change to the annual membership fees.

Like this comment (5)