Council has privatised our washing machines

Our 30 year old village of 160-plus units includes about 60 bedsits that share 3 community washing machines. Somewhere in the past the council decided to charge to use the washing machines without a bylaw. I believe the macines are classed as Personal Property of the council and costs are already included in our sinking or 10 year plan acoount. The council decided to outsource the laundry and increase the washing cost to cover the contractors fees believing it was no longer their responsibility and as they said it cost the council nothing.
I believe they did not have the right to do this as it was much cheaper to own and maintain the machines and it is unfair to charge the residents when they have to have these machines as in the Health Act. Our Unit Entitlements should have been amended to reflect the changes.