Decision details

To decide future management of leisure centres from mid 2023

Councillor Ian Wingfield was in attendance to confirm the recent consideration of this item by the overview and scrutiny committee. Cabinet thanked the committee for their work in respect of this matter.

RESOLVED:

1.  That it be noted that the council’s current contract with Sport and Leisure Management Limited (SLM) ends in June 2023 and this provides the council with the opportunity to consider a new and more effective delivery model for its leisure service.

2.  That the outcome of the leisure service strategic options assessment  which demonstrates that insourcing, outsourcing or creating a Local Authority Controlled Company (LACC) are all reasonable management options for the council to consider, be noted.

3.  That it be noted that insourcing the leisure service is currently the preferred option in that it addresses a number of key drivers for change, and provides the council with a range of benefits, as detailed in paragraphs 12 – 19 of the report.

4.  That the associated advantages and risks with insourcing the leisure service, as detailed in Tables 4 and 5 of the report be noted. 

5.  That it be noted that the recruitment of an experienced programme manager is required on a fixed term basis to implement the planning, and oversee the delivery, of the next steps of the preferred in-house option. In addition a strategic outcomes planning strategy is needed which will be undertaken by an external consultancy.

6.  That, subject to the approval of the recommendations in this gateway 0 report, a gateway 1 paper is brought to cabinet in autumn 2021 to seek approval to a proposed insourcing strategy which will include a detailed programme and implementable plan to bring the leisure service in-house.