Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the progress and impact of the review of leisure as well as current financial performance, and a future income generation strategy, together with proposed future management arrangements for the service in order to best deliver the Vision for Leisure and Council Plan priorities for Gateshead.

The alternative options to that being recommended, but which were discounted, included adopting an alternative delivery model such as an alternative provider, or a separate management arrangement.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the progress made on reviewing Go Gateshead Sport and Leisure Service, including the impact of the many changes made to date and improved financial performance be noted.

(ii)

That the continuation of an in-house Go Gateshead Sport and Leisure Service provided by Gateshead Council be approved.

(iii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in December 2018 on progress towards income generation and reducing the subsidy the Council provides for the Go Gateshead Sport and Leisure Service.

(iv)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in due course regarding the facility review described in appendix 1 of the report.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the future sustainability of the service using the option identified through the options analysis, and in recognition that while further income generation is required, progress in reducing costs and income levels are on a positive trajectory.

(B)

The implications of NNDR and VAT changes are likely to be more positive for an in-house model than previously recognised.

(C)

An in-house service is more likely to deliver Council priorities and outcomes for Live Well Gateshead supporting Gateshead residents to choose to live healthy lifestyles.