Subscriptions
Information on subs and how to make payments
Payments
We use a system for payments for all subs1. The system is called Payzip (https://www.payzip.co.uk) – this will let you pay via Google Pay, Apple Pay or any UK credit or debit card.
Payzip also lets your manage your account online and see any outstanding balances and payments already made. Please see links below for full details on accessing your account.
If you have any enquires please get in touch
For our members we charge a monthly subscription (subs) of:
Standard cost: £8 per month, paid all year round
Sibling cost: £6 per month, paid all year round (ending April 2024 due to fundraising needs)
Each family has an account which details how much you owe, past payments and allows you to make payments for monthly subs and one off events. This is managed through Payzip. You will receive an invoice each month through Payzip allowing you to pay instantly through Google Pay, Apple Pay, debit card or credit card. If you make payments in person or through PayPal these will be updated within Payzip once processed. Full details of Payzip can be found below.
We accept the following payment methods:
Monthly subscription via PayPal – A payment is taken automatically each month. Complete the form at the bottom of this page to set up
Card (online) – Through Payzip invoice emailed to you. This accepts UK debit and credit cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay
Card (in person) – We offer contactless payment options for UK debit and credit cards, Google Pay and Apple PayPayPal – One off payments via the form at the bottom of this page
Cash – This is only accepted if you are unable to use any of the other options as we would prefer not to handle cash
There will also be activities during the year such as events, sleepovers and camps that will incur additional costs.
Additionally, we are registered for Gift Aid so that we are able to claim 25 pence for every pound given from HMRC, to allow us to claim this for your subscriptions please ensure you complete a Gift Aid form.
What do the monthly subscriptions cover?
As a group, we need to cover the cost of equipment and the running costs. There is also an annual membership fee paid to UK Headquarters for the day to day running of the Scout Association, that includes insurance for all members, and this is what the bulk of the monthly subscriptions goes towards. In addition to these costs, there are the costs of running a meeting (rent, resources, activities, etc); group resources (equipment, camping gear, etc); and section resources (uniform, badges, etc). All adults that are involved in scouting are volunteers and give their time up freely with no expectation of remuneration. As you can imagine, these costs soon add up, for example, the average cost of each badge is 90p and per year we spend over £750 on badges alone.
What has the group done to reduce the cost of monthly subscriptions?
We have been able to secure funding from the Manor and Castle Ward Pot for our group enabling us to offer our subscriptions at a discounted rate for people who live in the Manor and Castle area. Those from other areas may be subject to higher costs unless we are able to get support from your local ward pot – if this applies to you we will discuss it in advance.
We regularly seek funding and grants from various organisations to bring in income to the group, this in turn helps us to keep the monthly subscriptions low.
We still charge if your child does not attend because the group still incurs expenses from our activities and outgoings such as insurance.
We do put on extra sessions at no extra cost for every section as and when possible.
How often do I need to pay?
The subscription cost is payable on a monthly basis all year round, even if your child does not attend a session. We have chosen to spread the cost over the full 12 months in order to keep the monthly cost lower.
What if I have problems making payments?
We appreciate that money can sometimes be tight. We are keen to ensure that no child is excluded from any activity based on the cost involved. If you feel this may be an issue for you then please speak to the GSL about your personal circumstances.
We recommend contacting the Sheffield Credit Union regarding setting up a savings account for additional costs such as camps and sleepovers