Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Margaret Bannister

(Key decision):

(1) To approve transfer of the Sovereign Centre operations to Wave Active to benefit from their knowledge and expertise, and to strengthen the council’s leisure operation.

(2) To agree delegated authority for the Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, once a full business case is understood and considered to be satisfactory, to negotiate and conclude detailed arrangements with Wave, including authorising the signature of all associated documentation including Business Plan with agreed objectives and priorities.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development, asking them to consider future operation and interim management arrangements for the Sovereign Centre.

Visiting members, Councillors Smart, addressed the Cabinet on the governance and transparency of the proposals. Visiting member, Councillor Shore, addressed the Cabinet on the items discussion at Scrutiny Committee and queried the scrutiny of matters following delegation by Cabinet. It was advised that this would be the role of Scrutiny Committee, should they want to explore the matter further.

Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 10 July 2023, considered the report and were supportive of the officer recommendations, subject to an amendment to recommendation (2) to read as:

(2)  Agree delegated authority for the Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, once a full business case is understood and considered to be satisfactory, to negotiate and conclude detailed arrangements with Wave, including authorising the signature of all associated documentation including Business Plan with agreed objectives and priorities.

Following discussion, the Cabinet agreed to accept the recommendation from Scrutiny Committee, and this was reflected in the resolution below.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To approve transfer of the Sovereign Centre operations to Wave Active to benefit from their knowledge and expertise, and to strengthen the Council’s leisure operation.

(2) To agree delegated authority for the Director of Tourism, Culture and Organisational Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, once a full business case is understood and considered to be satisfactory, to negotiate and conclude detailed arrangements with Wave, including authorising the signature of all associated documentation including Business Plan with agreed objectives and priorities.

Reasons for decisions:

To benefit from the expertise and experience of an existing and recognised leisure services provider, Wave Active is considered a strong fit.

Wave Active is a local charity and social enterprise and is already operating our sports centres (via an agreement until 2029) as well as a number of leisure centres and swimming pools across Lewes district.