Leisure and Culture Review obtains Council approval
At a meeting for Full Council yesterday, Elected Members agreed a number of recommendations tabled as part of the Leisure and Culture Review.
Following a period of extensive consultation and engagement with employees, Trade Unions, and stakeholders a number of critically important services will transfer to East Ayrshire Leisure Trust in order to sustain their future and to maximise development and improvement opportunities.
In October 2023, Council agreed five cross-cutting strategic reviews with updates, outcomes and recommendations to be reported to Elected Members for consideration. The purpose of the Leisure and Culture Services Review was to assess the current provision of leisure and cultural services within East Ayrshire.
The scope of this Review included
- Vibrant Communities
- Galleon Leisure Centre
- Facilities and Property Management Community and Corporate Catering Services
- Instrumental Music Service
- Creative Minds Service
In agreeing the recommendations Elected Members recognised the significant contribution Vibrant Communities, Instrumental Music, Creative Minds and Community Catering services has in supporting our communities in East Ayrshire and were very clear in their support to ensure the retention of current levels of service delivery. Officers provided such assurances confirming that the transfer of these critical preventative services will remove them from potential budget cuts as the Council moves into an incredibly challenging financial period. Members were particularly clear that continued support for our young people is vital and sought assurances from officers that these recommendations will in no way negatively impact young people’s experiences in respect of music tuition, Creative Minds input and that of Active Schools.
Elected Members agreed the recommendation to merge Kilmarnock Leisure Centre Trust (Galleon Leisure Centre) with East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, subject to the agreement of both Boards of Trustees.
Proposals for the establishment of a trading subsidiary as part of the East Ayrshire Leisure Growth Plan were also approved and the transfer of Community and Corporate Catering Services are key to the success of this, as the Trust looks to expand its business profile to include food and beverage opportunities, alongside events, skills and training and residential holidays.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said:
“We very much welcomed this Review as it presented a real opportunity to explore and evaluate current service delivery in terms of the availability, accessibility, quality, and current participation and engagement levels.
“The Review also considered opportunities for removing duplication and for greater synergy and innovation, while continuing to add value to existing service delivery.
“In the current financial climate, it is important that we are receptive to new ways of service delivery, to help us preserve resources and assets better to enhance the overall leisure and wellbeing experience.
“East Ayrshire Leisure Trust is among a small number of Trusts across Scotland that emerged from the pandemic in a stronger financial position due to sound financial and operational management. As the Trust continues to grow, its intention is to increase its business development activities and drive income generation as a means of addressing budget pressures and this is to be welcomed.
“Understandably, there has been some anxiety and concern from staff, trade unions and key stakeholders as to the outcomes of this Review, but there has been meaningful consultation throughout the review process and their feedback has been invaluable in terms of helping the Review Group shape the recommendations we had to consider today.
“The recommendations agreed by us today still need to be formally accepted at the board meetings of Kilmarnock Leisure Centre Trust (The Galleon) and the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust in mid- November. Following these meetings, there will be additional opportunities for further engagement with all affected parties ahead of a planned and structured move of these services across to the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.
“East Ayrshire Leisure is in a better position to sustain, enhance and grow the services that are included within this review, as they have a greater ability to develop a more agile, entrepreneurial culture and have access to a wider range of funding sources.
“At this stage in the process, we can assure everyone that there will be no reduction or alteration to the services provided.”