Agenda item

Hysbysiad o Gynnig o dan Adran 10 o Ran 4 (Rheolau Gweithdrefn) Cyfansoddiad y Cyngor

Proposed by Councillor Cathy James and seconded by Councillor Sonia Reynolds:

 

 The then Cabinet took the decision in 2022, following intense debate and discussion over a period of a few months, to insource indoor leisure services from Celtic Leisure Limited by 1st April 2023. However, the decision has now been made, without reference to scrutiny, to defer the insourcing of Celtic Leisure to 1st April 2025 at the earliest.

 

Leisure services whilst non-statutory, provide resources for residents that play a key role in promoting health and wellbeing and therefore full attention must now be given to address this as part of service delivery and of course noting budget constraints. They fulfil aspects, relating particularly to prevention and early intervention, of our duty as a Council under the Social Services and Wellbeing Wales (2014) act; also support requirements for physical education within the Education Act Wales (2002); as well as considerations of sustainability of facilities and services under the Wellbeing of Future Generations act (2015). It is therefore, incumbent on us to ensure that these services are offered in a manner that integrates into, and meets needs identified through our statutory services, particularly Social Services and Education. The current obesity epidemic and the known benefits of exercise and access to countryside for those suffering from mental health issues is also relevant to our considerations.

 

Unions representing Leisure staff have called for a joint working group with Council to consider bringing services in house and it is noted ongoing dialogue is taking place with trade unions.

If all Councillors are to have a clear view in relation to the decision relating to the insourcing of Leisure Services, it is essential that the work is undertaken to consider potential models and put together a clear and well evidenced business case to inform the decision that needs to be taken without further delay.

 

It is therefore proposed that the Council establish a cross-party Task and Finish group (terms and conditions to be agreed by the cross-party group), with trade unions and other appropriate organisations as relevant stakeholders, to explore, develop and present to Cabinet an appropriate business case to underpin decisions relating to the future control and operation of the Council’s Leisure Services post April 2025.