Outsourcing of Discretionary Leisure and Cultural Services
To receive a presentation from the Head of Wellbeing to provide background information in respect of the work programme item.
Minutes:
Guy Kilminster Head of Health and Wellbeing Services attended the meeting and gave a presentation on Council proposals to investigate the possibility of outsourcing discretionary leisure and cultural services.
The presentation was a prelude to a much more detailed presentation expected to be given at the September meeting.
The current proposals were set against the backdrop of a budget reduction of £420 000 in the current financial year.
In particular, the Council would be reviewing management arrangements of the Council’s two municipal golf courses at Malkins Bank Sandbach and Queen’s Park Crewe. Likewise, the Council would also be reviewing management arrangements for the Lyceum Theatre Crewe, the Knutsford Cinema and a number of civic halls around the Borough.
The Cabinet had set up a devolution working group which was looking at the possibility of civic/community halls being offered to Town and Parish Councils to manage.
The group was seeking advice form a number of departments within the Council, including assets and human resources, because of the potential impact on staff currently employed by the Council to manage these facilities.
Queens Park Golf Course was currently managed by a third party and the Council had already undertaken some market testing in connection with Malkins Bank golf course. A report was due to be considered by Cabinet in August 2010.
Cabinet was also expected to consider a report in October in connection with the Lyceum Theatre Crewe and Knutsford cinema, following stakeholder consultation.
RESOLVED – That the Head of Wellbeing be requested to submit a full report to the next meeting on devolution proposals in respect of civic amenities.