Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the head of economy, leisure, and property. 

Please note the text in paragraph 5 (currently in green) will need updating before final reports are issued.

Matt Prosser, Strategic Director and Kate Arnold, Leisure Manager introduced this report and answered relevant questions.

• The procurement process for the leisure management contract is due to start in November 2012. This will begin with a notice making potential bidders aware that the contract is coming up for renewal. Decisions which need to be made prior to this are: whether it is to be a joint contract with South Oxfordshire District Council; how long the contract will be awarded for, and which centres are to be involved in the contract.
• The process will be managed by a project board, which will include a member of Cabinet, a member of the opposition and a member of Scrutiny Committee who is a back bencher from the ruling group: this will be Councillor Jason Fiddaman.
• Professional staff from a variety of departments would have input, where appropriate to the procurement process; this would include the Equalities Officer.
• A project officer is to be appointed for the procurement process and also to assess potential new sites.
• The contract process is likely to be managed by “competitive dialogue” by which potential bidders will enter into a dialogue with the Council(s) to establish the best way to deliver the leisure services.
• It is intended that leisure services are inclusive and that usage is increased by all groups. It is also intended that leisure and fitness will not only happen in leisure centres but will be delivered in community settings.
• Abingdon Town Council will be involved in a parallel dialogue with regard to the Abbey Meadows outdoor pool.
• Scrutiny will be involved in the contract process, both by feedback from Councillor Fiddaman and by receiving reports, at times identified by the project plan, which will fit in with Cabinet briefings. Included in this will be proposed KPTs for the contract.

RESOLVED

To request the Leisure Manager to include briefings to, and consultation with, Scrutiny Committee as part of the project plan. This timetable to be notified to Democratic Services for inclusion in the Scrutiny work plan.