Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

·         Councillor Lynda James is a Governor of Bishopston Comprehensive School

·         Councillor Des Thomas is a member of Activa Leisure

• Martin Nicholls – Director Place
• Tracey McNulty – Head of Cultural Services
• Robert Francis-Davies – Cabinet Member Culture, Tourism and Major Projects
• Jamie Rewbridge - Strategic Manager Leisure Partnerships Health Wellbeing

·         Head of Service emphasised the confidential nature of this commissioning review

·         The Council has implemented a long term saving strategy looking at alternative models of delivery and cost

·         This commissioning review was in depth and complex and took 3 years

·         All services in culture were reviewed

·         Never an intention to pass on responsibility, but rather look for a better solution for public and staff

·         Had to establish affordability for the Council and establish how another party could improve on this

·         Looked at different models and structures

·         The conclusion is there is a strong perspective to contract and deliver services on the Councils behalf on a long term lease

·         Will retain capability and capacity to work with a contractor to ensure they do everything they should be doing

·         Pricing structures, hours and access not able to be changed

·         The motivation was financial and not due to the lack of Council skills

·         The process was an offshoot of the original commissioning review

·         All use for schools will be protected and safeguarding issues addressed and improved upon

·         Unions have been engaged throughout and the staff terms and conditions are protected regardless of change of jobs. Terms and conditions for new staff can’t be less favourable

·         The Council has final say on pricing structures

·         The buildings remain in Council ownership

·         The buildings have to be returned in the same condition they were given

·         Condition surveys have been undertaken on all of the assets and these were undertaken by an independent external company.

·         Suggested that condition surveys be done by an independent organisation and not done internally

·         Upon inspection, if the buildings are not maintained a dilapidation order will be served

·         Excluded items discussed