Neath Port Talbot Council is set to discuss the future of its indoor leisure services at the Education, Skills and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, 12th September.
Members are being asked to consider what the best option is to deliver much needed and valued services against a backdrop of a hugely challenging financial time.
A working group made up of trade union representatives, Celtic Leisure staff, and Council Officers was established to develop the options. This group was tasked with identifying the best approach while considering the increasing budgetary pressures on the council due to high inflation rates and a settlement from Welsh Government (the amount of funding a council receives) that was below the inflation level.
The report outlines three options regarding the future operation of its indoor leisure services, currently managed by Celtic Leisure.
The three options include:
- Option One: Bring Leisure Services back in-house under the council’s management from 1st April 2025.
- Option Two: Agree to a five-year extension of the contract with Celtic Leisure from 1st April 2025, maintaining the current terms and conditions.
- Option Three: Agree to a five-year extension of the contract with Celtic Leisure from 1st April 2025, with revised terms and conditions requested by trade union representatives.
The report recommends Option Two, extending the current contract with Celtic Leisure for five years, as it offers the best value for money in providing indoor leisure services and reduces the risk of putting further severe pressure on the council’s budget and, therefore, Council Tax payers. It also addresses concerns raised by trade unions whose input has been invaluable in developing the proposals, regarding annual pay awards and inflationary pressures. This option also includes a £1m investment fund to drive growth, enhance business sustainability, and improve public services. Most importantly, it protects jobs and services at both Celtic Leisure and the Council, as well as helping to ensure the company’s financial stability.
Full details of each option are outlined in the report.
A Council Spokesperson said: “I would like to thank everyone in the working group, in particular the trade union representatives for their continued social partnership, Celtic Leisure staff, and Council Officers, for their dedicated time and effort in developing the options presented in this report.”
Following the Education, Skills and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, the report will be submitted to Cabinet for decision on Wednesday 2nd October.
