Consideration has been given to a summary of the work carried out to review Leisure Services and to possible future service delivery options, including the rationalisation (reduction in number) of sites, and to the most affordable and financially sustainable options for the continued delivery of Leisure Services.

The alternative options to those being recommended, but which were discounted, included In house Council Management (the status quo), Local Authority Controlled Company, Single Area Leisure Trust and the complete withdrawal of the Leisure Service.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the consideration of the future operating model for the Gateshead International Stadium being undertaken separately to that for the wider leisure service and the future of the Stadium being the subject of a distinct review and future report to Cabinet be approved.

(ii)

That the commencement of a procurement process to identify and contract with a service provider partner to manage the Council’s leisure centres and swimming pools under a services contract be approved.

(iii)

That the commencement of a comprehensive consultation process to understand the impact of any leisure centre closures, in order to influence the final evaluation exercise on which leisure centres should remain open be approved and a further report be submitted to Cabinet following this further evaluation, setting out proposals for the reduction of the number of Council leisure centres.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To enable the development of a strategic vision that is specific to the Gateshead International Stadium and further review of distinct operating options.

(B)

To deliver value for money and services that are targeted to the Council’s Physical Activity Strategy mission.

(C)

To help lessen the Council’s overall funding gap by reducing the funding of the Leisure Services year on year, to deliver the unachieved savings in a timely manner, and to help to ensure the sustainability of the reduced leisure centre portfolio.

(D)

To ensure future recommendations on leisure centre closures are made in light of known impact upon leisure centre users, community groups and those protected under the Equalities Act.