Agenda item - Freedom Leisure Contract - Response to Increased Energy Costs

Report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment, & Culture.

RESOLVED: That Committee:

1. Noted the contents of this report in relation to the increased costs faced by

leisure operators across the UK linked to the energy supply crisis.

2. Agreed that it is necessary to support Freedom Leisure to ensure their

continued viability and the delivery of the Sports Facilities Contracts.

3. Recommended to the Policy & Resources Committee that it authorises the

Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to implement the

mitigation measures outlined in this report at paragraphs 3.18 and 3.23, with

the exception of the caveat regarding parking charges outlined in 2.4.

4. Recommended to the Policy & Resources Committee that it notes that the

various measures will be reviewed by officers over six months and a

report will be brought to TECC by June 2023 on whether it is possible to

revert back to standard contract arrangements. Committee authorises the

Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to make revisions

and changes to the arrangements based on the ongoing impact, cost and

potential changes to utility prices, but agrees that committee approval will be

sought if car park charging is required at Withdean Sports Complex.

That the Policy & Resources Committee:

5. Noted the contents of this report in relation to the increased costs faced by

leisure operators across the UK linked to the energy supply crisis.

6. Agreed that it is necessary to support Freedom Leisure to ensure their

continued viability and the delivery of the Sports Facilities Contracts.

7. Authorised the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to

implement the range of mitigation measures outlined in this report at

paragraphs 3.18 and 3.23, with the exception of the caveat regarding

parking charges outlined in 2.8.

8. Noted that the various measures will be reviewed by officers over six months and a report will be brought to TECC by June 2023 on whether it is possible to revert back to standard contract arrangements. Committee authorises the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to make revisions and changes to the arrangements based on the ongoing impact, cost and potential changes to utility prices, but agrees that committee approval will be sought if car park charging is required at Withdean Sports Complex.

39.1 Kerry Taylor introduced the report starting on page 191 of the Agenda.

39.2 Councillor Evans introduced the Labour Group Amendment starting on page 7 of Addendum 1, which was seconded by Councillor Allcock.

39.3 Councillor Simson agreed with Councillor Evans that Freedom Leisure should be doing their own management and not the Council.

39.4 Councillor Robins raised points including alternative ways to generate revenue using sports centres, and the benefits to health and wellbeing of residents.

39.5 Councillor Hugh-Jones raised a query about energy costs.

39.6 The Chair asked Committee to take a vote on the Labour Amendment which was passed.

RESOLVED: That Committee:

1. Noted the contents of this report in relation to the increased costs faced by

leisure operators across the UK linked to the energy supply crisis.

2. Agreed that it is necessary to support Freedom Leisure to ensure their

continued viability and the delivery of the Sports Facilities Contracts.

3. Recommended to the Policy & Resources Committee that it authorises the

Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to implement the

mitigation measures outlined in this report at paragraphs 3.18 and 3.23, with

the exception of the caveat regarding parking charges outlined in 2.4.

4. Recommended to the Policy & Resources Committee that it notes that the

various measures will be reviewed by officers over six months and a

report will be brought to TECC by June 2023 on whether it is possible to

revert back to standard contract arrangements. Committee authorises the

Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to make revisions

and changes to the arrangements based on the ongoing impact, cost and

potential changes to utility prices, but agrees that committee approval will be

sought if car park charging is required at Withdean Sports Complex.

That the Policy & Resources Committee:

5. Noted the contents of this report in relation to the increased costs faced by

leisure operators across the UK linked to the energy supply crisis.

6. Agreed that it is necessary to support Freedom Leisure to ensure their

continued viability and the delivery of the Sports Facilities Contracts.

7. Authorised the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to

implement the range of mitigation measures outlined in this report at

paragraphs 3.18 and 3.23, with the exception of the caveat regarding

parking charges outlined in 2.8.

8. Noted that the various measures will be reviewed by officers over six months and a report will be brought to TECC by June 2023 on whether it is possible to revert back to standard contract arrangements. Committee authorises the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture to make revisions and changes to the arrangements based on the ongoing impact, cost and potential changes to utility prices, but agrees that committee approval will be sought if car park charging is required at Withdean Sports Complex.