Decision details

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to commence the strategic commissioning of the Council’s leisure services, in advance of the expiry of the current contract in April 2029. It was noted that the existing contract could not be extended due to changes in procurement legislation and that a new delivery model would be required to ensure long-term financial sustainability and continued provision of services.

Cabinet recognised that further consultation would be undertaken with residents and stakeholders once a preferred model had been identified, prior to a final decision being brought back for consideration. It was agreed that the terms of reference would be updated to ensure that the Portfolio Holder would be engaged throughout the process.

Councillor S Gardiner spoke as a visiting Member and queried whether the purpose of the work was to commission a new leisure service model and, if so, whether this would lead to a reduced leisure offer for residents, including fewer facilities and a smaller estate.

In response, Councillor R Vernon confirmed the purpose of the work was to
review and explore a range of options for delivering leisure services in a more effective, ambitious, and financially sustainable way. This included considering different delivery models and how the leisure estate could be better used. No decisions had been made, and the intention was not to reduce provision, but to improve outcomes, increase participation, and deliver better value for residents. All options, including any potential impact on facilities, would be carefully assessed before any conclusions were reached.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Cabinet

1.    Approve the Terms of Reference relating to the procurement of the external specialist advice based on the following core principles:

•       Reviewing the current leisure estate;

•       Maximising health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities;

•       Ensuring financial sustainability by ceasing the subsidy which is currently provided to support the leisure contract.

2.    Approve the commencement of work to commission a new Leisure Service and delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Environment in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to:

a.    develop the commissioning model including procurement of specialist advice

b.    consult on the proposals prior to returning to cabinet for a final decision on which delivery model to progress with.

3.    Approve the financial commitment contained in Appendix C and delegate to the Executive Director of Resources, Section 151 Officer to approve and arrange budget virements in line with the Finance Procedure Rules.

4.    Approve the addition to the MTFS of a Strategic Commissioning Saving and delegate to the Director of Planning and Environment in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Portfolio Holder to confirm phasing across the MTFS from 2029 onwards.