| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| LAA 13/016 |
Leisure Facilities - Establishment of New Trust |
The Director of Street Scene and Leisure updated Members on the establishment of a new Leisure Trust to manage the Borough Council's main leisure facilities. Draft Heads of Terms were also presented for consideration and approval. It was reported that good progress was being made and the project remained on target for a transfer date of 1 November 2013. The consultant engaged by the Borough Council to offer expert advice and assistance, Mr Robin Thompson of RPT Consulting, was also present to answer Members' questions. Careful consideration was given to the management and funding agreement, leases, transfer agreement and support services agreement contained in the draft Heads of Terms. Key points highlighted, discussed and noted included the scope of services, 'break' clauses, the ability of the Borough Council to review funding and termination clauses. The relationship between the Leisure Trust and the Borough Council was also explained. In addition, Members queried budget overspend arrangements, financial surplus, maintenance responsibility and the delivery of key objectives and outcomes. These were addressed by the consultant to the satisfaction of Members, although the comments were noted for future inclusion in the next iteration of the Heads of Terms where appropriate. It was proposed that 't&mactive' be adopted as a brand name to be used as a marketing tool. Finally, Members were reassured that the role of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board would continue to be important to review and monitor the performance of the Trust, as well as recommending fees and charges for the facilities. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Memorandum and Articles of Association for the new Trust be noted; (2) the draft Heads of Terms, outlined in Annex 2 to the report, be approved; (3) the formal agreements between the Borough Council and the Trust, outlined at sub-section 1.2.2 of the report, be reported to the next meeting of the Advisory Board; (4) the Leisure Trust Business Plan be reported to the next meeting of the Advisory Board; (5) the authority delegated to the Interview Panel to appoint Trustees be noted; (6) the leases relating to the leisure facilities being managed by the Trust on behalf of the Borough Council be reported to a future meeting of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board; and (7) the Trust's proposed brand name, to be used as a marketing tool, of "t&mactive" be approved, subject to final comment from Cabinet. *Referred to Cabinet |