Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That Cabinet recommends to full Council through the annual budget setting process that a sum of £2.1m is put in place for investment into the existing Leisure Centres to be spent over 2020/21 and 2021/22.

2.    That subject to the proposed investment into the existing Leisure Centres being approved by full Council. Cabinet grants authority to the Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure) in consultation with the Director (Neighbourhoods and Development) to spend up to £2.1m investment where appropriate into the existing Leisure Centres ensuring that all procurement, financial and legal processes are followed in carrying out the work.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure) presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that proposed an investment plan for the Council’s existing Leisure Centres based on condition surveys carried out in 2016, available as background papers to the report.

The investment plan proposed improvements to the Leisure Centres linked to a hierarchy of need which will ensure that the Leisure Centres are fit for purpose for another five to ten years, whilst also enhancing the offer for customers.

In addition, the report highlighted other key areas facing Leisure Services in South Ribble including the exploration of a potential extension to the Leisure Contract with the current Leisure Operator.

In response to a question from Councillor Karen Walton, the Cabinet Member reported that the current operator was content to continue managing the centres, even with the possibility of a new Leisure Centre facility being developed in the future.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Margaret Smith sought assurance that the other party of the dual use agreement for Penwortham had confirmed their commitment to pay for those elements of the contract they were responsible for and the Cabinet Member established that this was the case.

The Cabinet Member also referred to an audit that was being undertaken regarding third party payments that had been made in relation to the leisure contract and agreed to make the findings available to the Leader of the Opposition when able.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That Cabinet recommends to full Council through the annual budget setting process that a sum of £2.1m is put in place for investment into the existing Leisure Centres to be spent over 2020/21 and 2021/22.

2.    That subject to the proposed investment into the existing Leisure Centres being approved by full Council. Cabinet grants authority to the Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure) in consultation with the Director (Neighbourhoods and Development) to spend up to £2.1m investment where appropriate into the existing Leisure Centres ensuring that all procurement, financial and legal processes are followed in carrying out the work.

Reason(s) for the decision:

In line with the 2016 Condition Surveys of the leisure centres that was undertaken, there is an urgent need to carry out essential repairs and maintenance along with some refurbishment of the centre in order that they are fit for purpose going forward over the next 5 to 10 years. There is also a desire to improve the quality of the existing leisure centres and, where possible, look to improve services provided to local residents.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Cabinet could decide not to invest in the Council’s existing leisure centres.