Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee following a review undertaken by the Committee’s appointed task and finish group.

Resolved:

That:

1.       Officers be instructed to update the Collaboration Agreement between Abbeycroft Leisure and West Suffolk Council noting no fundamental revisions are required on the principles of the current agreement. However, some technical changes may be required and the approach to health funding which is currently dealt with through side letters should be clarified.

2.       Cabinet requests Abbeycroft and West Suffolk Council to work collaboratively to promote the activities and programmes delivered at the leisure centres, ensuring residents are aware of what they deliver and provide (which can be reflected in further revisions to the Collaboration Agreement).

3.       Cabinet and officers work with providers and partners to secure additional long-term and sustainable external funding streams (particularly on health improvement interventions).

4.       Cabinet asks officers to explore further capital investment in the leisure offer and facility mix across the leisure centre sites through business cases where appropriate to provide outcomes and financial benefits through invest to save/earn initiatives with Abbeycroft.

5.       Subject to the outcome of the condition surveys of each Leisure Centre, Cabinet to consider the extension of the Council’s Net Zero Fund as part of the 2024 to 2025 budget development process to include a programme of improvements (where appropriate and where they meet the outcomes of the fund) to upgrade and improve the facilities to maximise energy efficiency, support Net Zero and carbon reduction targets, and extend the life span of the facilities.

6.       As part of the 2024 to 2025 West Suffolk Council budget development, consideration be given to whether the extraordinary utility support grant should be continued and phased out in the short-term (linked to market expectations around utility costs).