As part of the authority's move towards becoming a 'Strategic Council', Cheshire East is currently exploring new ways of delivering its leisure services. to ensure they remain sustainable in the future and offer residents the best value for money.
This is designed to reduce waste and duplication, drive down costs and represent better value for residents.
Cheshire East values highly its leisure services and currently invests £9m annually in this area. However, the authority is keen to reduce this amount for the tax payer – whilst ensuring that leisure and health opportunities continue to play an important role in the lives of residents and wider communities.
A number of options for the delivery of leisure services are being considered, and this – along with the thoughts and views of local residents – will inform the decision-making process.
Some of the options available are:
• The formation of a separate legal entity (arms-length company);
• Tender services to the private sector or existing trust
• The formation of a charitable trust; and
• Transfer elements of the service to another local provider such as town or parish councils.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "Leisure services are important to our communities, this is why I want to get residents' thoughts on the best way of improving on and enhancing our current offering.
"Research shows that one well-established way of delivering these services, popular with other local authorities, is that of a charitable trust.
"The health and adult social care policy development group also gave their support for the trust model, pending full consultation. They also wished to explore the future role of town and parish councils in delivering some services.
"Any new organisation would acquire new sites, including the planned investment of £13m in Crewe's new lifestyle centre.
"However, we want to hear what residents think about this and I would encourage them to go online and fill in the questionnaire."
Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: "We realise that leisure services play an important role in keeping our communities fit and healthy, ensuring people live well for longer. This is especially important at a time when local authorities are taking on responsibility for public health.
"We are confident that a third party organisation would be able to deliver leisure services in a more efficient and targeted way, leading to improved services that will also increase health benefits."
A consultation is now underway. More information, including a questionnaire where people can leave their comments, is available on the Cheshire East Council website.
Residents can also submit their thoughts via email or post to Leisure Options Consultation, Leisure and Cultural Services, 2nd Floor, Westfields, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ.
The deadline for feedback is noon on Friday, April 19th.
