Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing

RESOLVED THAT:

             i.        the management agreement between the Council and The Cheltenham Trust is extended for up to 5 years from 1 October 2024 as per the provision within the management agreement;

            ii.        subject to approval of The Cheltenham Trust, a variation to the agreement that will introduce a rolling break clause that can be triggered by the Council at any point after year 1 of the extended term, subject to the council giving the Cheltenham Trust 12 months’ notice, is agreed;

          iii.        authority is delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing, to agree the length of the extended contract and any variation provisions;

          iv.        authority is delegated to the s.151 officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets to agree the level of the management fee each year during the remaining term of the contract.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Well-being introduced his report, highlighting the transformation of the Cheltenham Trust from a traditional third sector organisation to a modern, business-focussed one, which has contributed to the savings of the authority whilst delivering important services at the heart of the town – the Pump Room, Pittville Park, the Town Hall and The Wilson are all drawing in more visitors, and the new sports strategy will work with the Trust and other partners on a new strategy for the underused Prince of Wales Stadium and Leisure@.  The report starts the process to re-procure the services delivered successfully by the Cheltenham Trust for an additional period of time, noting that where other authorities would have sold off, privatised or discontinued these assets and services long ago, CBC has chosen a different route.  He thanked Richard Gibson, Tracey Birkinshaw and all officers of the Trust for the continued good work they do for the town.

The Leader said this marks the start of an important journey, looking at who runs our leisure facilities in the future, adding that the Trust has done an amazing job so far.

RESOLVED THAT:

             i.        the management agreement between the Council and The Cheltenham Trust is extended for up to 5 years from 1 October 2024 as per the provision within the management agreement;

            ii.        subject to approval of The Cheltenham Trust, a variation to the agreement that will introduce a rolling break clause that can be triggered by the Council at any point after year 1 of the extended term, subject to the council giving the Cheltenham Trust 12 months’ notice, is agreed;

          iii.        authority is delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing, to agree the length of the extended contract and any variation provisions;

          iv.        authority is delegated to the s.151 officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets to agree the level of the management fee each year during the remaining term of the contract.