To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hill. Councillors Coe & Davies were attending virtually so they could participate in discussions, but were unable to take part in any form of voting.

To receive any declarations of interest from Cabinet Members.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2023.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 29 June 2023 were approved.

Lead Member for Communities and Leisure

To provide an update on the leisure contract procurement process in response to the change in HMRC VAT legislation and its impact on leisure service delivery options.

Please note that this report contains a restricted appendix which has been circulated to Councillors separately and will require moving into closed session to be discussed in detail.

Cabinet considered the report titled ‘Leisure Services Update & Award of Interim Contract’.

Councillor Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Communities & Leisure, introduced the report to Cabinet and outlined the three options that were available, as outlined in table 2 of the report. Section 1 outlined in detail; the recommendation that was being put forward to Cabinet. He explained the risks that could potentially be involved if this recommendation was not agreed to as outlined within the report.

This was proposed by Councillor Reynolds and seconded by Councillor Werner.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY: That Cabinet noted the report and:

i)               Agreed to terminate the current Leisure Contract procurement process.

ii)             Agreed to a new 20-month interim contract to the incumbent leisure operator to ensure continuity of service allowing time for the consideration below to be made.

iii)            Requested officers conduct research to consider leisure delivery options in light of HMRC VAT ruling change and bring back to cabinet for decision on delivery option and if necessary, authority to run a new procurement process at the end of the interim contract.

iv)            Noted the risks and opportunities of taking the actions above.