Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the current position with regard to the resolution of Full Council in March 2011 to explore a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Garforth Leisure Centre to the Schools Partnership Trust. The report also sets out new proposals on the status of the CAT process and details the operational performance of Garforth Leisure Centre

Further to Minute No. 205, 30^th March 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the current position in respect of the Executive Board resolution to explore the possible Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Garforth Leisure Centre to the Schools Partnership Trust. In addition, the report also outlined new proposals relating to the status of the CAT process and details regarding the operational performance of Garforth Leisure Centre.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had received correspondence clarifying the content of the Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Screening Document, which was appended to the report, in order to ensure that Members had all relevant information before them when considering the matter. 

The Board paid tribute to the work which had been undertaken to successfully improve the operating performance of the centre, and it was suggested that a similar approach could be taken when looking to improve the performance of other centres, where appropriate.

Members highlighted the need to ensure that a collaborative and robust approach was taken when considering potential Community Asset Transfers in the future.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to explore the potential of a community asset transfer of Garforth Leisure Centre to the School Partnership Trust be discontinued.

(b)  That Garforth Leisure Centre be retained under Council management on 58.5 hours per week.

(c)  That the Council seeks to enter into partnership with the School Partnership Trust (and other interested parties) with the aim of seeking to extend the opening hours beyond 58.5 hours per week.