Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Storey’s Field Centre (SFC) on the Eddington Development in the Northwest of the City, opened to the public in February 2018 and has been managed and operated by the City Council under a contract for services with the Storey’s Field Centre Trust (SFCT) since June 2016.

On 22nd September 2021, SFCT were given advance notification that, in line with the council’s corporate priorities and Community Centres Strategy, and following the successful establishment of the Centre programme and staffing team, the councils operation of Storey’s Field Centre would not continue beyond the current contracted deadline of 31 December 2022, and that the Trust would now need to begin to assess other options.

SFCT responded to state that it will continue to work with the Council towards achieving a successful transfer of service by 31.12.22 but requested that provision is also made for a further contract extension period if required until 31.03.23 in case additional time is needed to complete negotiations and TUPE arrangements. A further extension provision would be pragmatic to ensure a smooth transfer for the staff involved, with a hard end date of 31st March 2023.

Following the transfer of service to a new operator, the councils Community Services team would focus on working collaboratively with SFCT and The University to ensure a joined-up programme across community facilities in the local area and that community work is continued, at least to the requirements as set out in the Section 106 agreement.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

      i.          Agreed to extend the councils contract for management services if required by Storey’s Field Centre Trust (SFCT), until 31 March 2023.

     ii.          Noted the Council’s management and operation of Storey’s Field Centre would end 31 March 2023 and that eight Council employed posts will then transfer under a TUPE arrangement, to a new operator appointed by Storey’s Field Centre Trust.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Strategic Project Manager.

The Strategic Project Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          Staff would TUPE over to the new contractor with their existing pay and conditions.

     ii.          The City Council were currently responsible for half of the running costs. When the contract was handed over, the group running the centre would be responsible for ensuring it was viable in future to maximise income whilst still meeting community needs.

   iii.          The Business Plan set out cost details. Running costs would be benchmarked against other leisure centres.

   iv.          The development of Eddington had slowed due to Covid. This had not been factored into earlier Business Plans.

The Committee resolved by 9 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.