Decision details

                  Consideration was given to management options for the provision of leisure facilities in Sandwell.

In response to a question raised by the Chair of the Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities Scrutiny Board, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism stated contract management and performance would be a priority. Furthermore, the vision was not only to compete with other local authorities, but also with the private sector.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources that the Council’s role was not only to monitor the performance of the contract with performance indicators as part of the contract, but the Council also sought to offer a holistic leisure facility. 

                  Reasons for recommendations

                  The recommendation sought to implement a sustainable management solution in the long term based on the detailed appraisal of the management options, and to provide a solid evidence basis to enable the Council to make a well-informed decision with the benefit of a clear audit trail.

                  The recommendation supported an appropriate sports and leisure facility management solution able to support and to address the holistic leisure needs of Sandwell residents.

                  Alternative options considered

Option 1 - In House Leisure Services for the future operation of this portfolio of the Council’s leisure facilities;

Option 2 - Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) for the future operation of this portfolio of the Council’s leisure facilities;

Option 3 - External Provision for the future operation of this portfolio of the Council’s leisure facilities.

Having considered all three options, it was deemed that option 2 should be progressed.

Agreed that the Director of Borough Economy be authorised to undertake detailed preparation in liaison with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism to progress Option 2: ‘Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) for the future operation of this portfolio of the Council’s leisure facilities.