Decision

The Committee has decided to extend the contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd (Freedom Leisure) for 5 years.

Analysis

outcome: The Committee approved the extension of the Freedom Leisure Contract for 5 years.

summary: The decision involves entering into a 5-year contract extension with Wealden Leisure Ltd (trading as Freedom Leisure) for the period 1st January 2026 – 31st December 2030.

topline: The Committee has decided to extend the contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd (Freedom Leisure) for 5 years.

reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it was unanimously supported by Committee Members.

affected_stakeholders: ["Wealden Leisure Ltd (Freedom Leisure)", "Council staff", "Local residents who use leisure services"]

contentiousness_score: 2

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://committee.worcester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=254

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report on a proposal to enter into a 5-year contract extension with Wealden Leisure Ltd (trading as Freedom Leisure) covering the period 1st January 2026 – 31st December 2030. The Corporate Director – Operations, Homes and Communities presented the report and explained the key headlines of the proposal, which were set out in the report. Detailed information in respect of the contract extension proposal was included within a confidential appendix, and the Committee considered this in private as an exempt item.   The report concluded that the proposed contract extension overwhelmingly provides best value to the Council, provides continuity of service and avoids the council having to unnecessarily deploy staff and financial resource to undertake a re-procurement exercise. This option was in line with the advice provided by Sports & Leisure Consultancy (SLC).   The Committee proceeded to debate the proposal and the Corporate Director responded to questions.   Committee Members unanimously supported the proposal for the reasons set out in the report and the confidential appendix.   RESOLVED: That the Committee agree to:   1.    note the contents of the report and in particular the Freedom Leisure Contract Extension proposal included within the exempt Appendix;   2.    approve the extension of the Freedom Leisure Contract for 5 years with Wealden Leisure Ltd (trading as Freedom Leisure), covering the period 1st January 2026 – 31st December 2030, on the terms set out in this report; and   3.    delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Operations, Homes & Communities) and the Corporate Director (Planning & Governance), to complete all required actions to extend the existing contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd (trading as Freedom Leisure) for 5 years, covering the period 1st January 2026 – 31st December 2030.

Date of Decision: May 20, 2025