Outdoor saunas considered to boost council income

New electric outdoor saunas are being considered by a south-west London council to boost its income.

Richmond council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it is researching sustainable models, including electric-powered options rather than traditional wood-fired saunas.

It comes as the authority tackles financial pressures, with a new government funding formula set to cut its core funding by £29m a year by 2029, equivalent to 58% of its central funding.

It has put forward a major transformation programme to overhaul its departments and save £39m annually by 2029. A report on the plans says the authority is also looking at ways to raise cash, including providing outdoor saunas.

A notice issued by the council says it is consulting suppliers to better understand how the outdoor sauna market works and find out "whether potential opportunities are commercially and operationally viable". The deadline for engagement is listed as 22 October.

The council told the LDRS: "The council is exploring growing public interest in outdoor wellness and recreation, which can bring social, health and wellbeing benefits for residents.

"There may also be opportunities to generate income to support the long-term sustainability of parks and leisure services at a time of financial pressure."

The council added that it wanted to first "understand the level of interest in outdoor saunas and how they could operate".

It added: "We are particularly interested in lower-impact, more sustainable approaches, including electric-powered options rather than traditional wood-burning models.

"This research, alongside feedback from stakeholders, will help shape any future proposals."

The council also said it would need to take into account issues such as planning, environmental impacts, financial viability and the benefit it would offer to the local community to help shape any future proposals.

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