Issue - meetings

To consider the progress of the Leisure Management Options Appraisal being conducted by PMP Consultants.

Members considered a report on the progress of the Leisure Management Options Appraisal being conducted by PMP/Genesis Consultants.

Andy Farr of PMP/Genesis attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the Options Appraisal.

Various leisure management delivery models had been used by local authorities over the last 20 years. PMP/Genesis had been commissioned by Sport England and Sporta to produce an evaluation of the experience of Trusts and local authorities in the North-West over the last decade. Five models were discussed:

1. in-house management (the current position in Cheshire East)
2. private leisure contractor
3. non-profit distributing organisation (Trust or social enterprise)
4. management buy-out
5. trade sale

The benefits and limitations of each model were outlined and examples from authorities in the North-West and elsewhere were discussed. The main alternatives to the Council’s current in-house arrangements appeared to be options 2 and 3.

Members asked for details of the proposed consultation arrangements on the options. Rob Hyde advised that the unions had already been consulted. There was now a need to consult the public, customers, swimming clubs, head teachers and the primary care trusts, and this would follow when the consultants’ recommendations were received.

There was also a need to consider how to consult Members and the political groups. Members indicated that they would wish their respective political groups to be consulted separately. Andy Farr proposed to give an updated version of his presentation on a number of dates to be arranged following the meeting.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Chairman thanked Andy Farr for his presentation.

RESOLVED

That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.