We have done our best to protect our Members against the tough economic impacts of the past six years by retaining our Membership fee, despite other associated costs beyond our control, such as printing and postal charges, continuing to rise.
In our 2014 Membership survey over 95% of Members agreed that Membership was good value for money. Our goal is to ensure our Members have access to the most up to date information on gluten-free diets, products, venues and support services. We’ve achieved this through an improved website, a new smartphone app, increased Helpline hours, growing community networks, and there is still more to come with our blog and forum and new look Food and Drink Directory for 2015.
Access to gluten-free products and trust and confidence in eating out are key issues for our Members, and therefore, priorities for Coeliac UK. Our intensive work in this area has paid off; we have increased the number of manufacturers and retailers we work with, doubled the number of Crossed Grain certifications we issue, and introduced our catering services including training and accreditation. We have also implemented new research and campaigning strategies to underpin our policy positions and launched the FREED FROM campaign. These initiatives all come at a cost, and while we are building up other areas as supporting sources of income to enable us to extend our range of services, we still rely on Membership fees as a key source of revenue.
Following a thorough review and to continue delivering the services and information you need the most we need to increase our annual Membership fees for 2015. The new fees will be effective from 1 November and will still offer you the choice in Membership categories. The revised fees for your 2015 Membership will be:
Individual £24
For individuals or parent/carers for those under 16 years of age.
Concessionary £12
For individuals or parent/carers for those under 16 years of age on a reduced income and reliant on state pension or benefits.
Household £30
For households with more than one Coeliac UK Member. You will receive an extra copy of our Food and Drink Directory.
As this is the first time we have increased the fee in six years we hope you will agree that Membership still provides you good value for money. Continuing with your Membership enables Coeliac UK to plan effectively and carry on providing the information and support you need for your health.
You can find further information by reading our frequently asked questions or by contacting our Helpline.