URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=443

Decision Maker: Executive, Director of Place - Phil Martin

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Leisure and Carterton Area Strategy, presented the item, the purpose of which was to present the forecast expenditure required to ensure the Council owned leisure facilities remained operationally effective and compliant with modern standards as well as improving the leisure services for residents into the future. A breakdown had been included to demonstrate the costs over a range of periods along with a summary of associated implications. It was intended that the report would allow Members to decide on the preferred Planned Investment Programme.   Councillor Sumner advised that:   It was the Executive’s wish to keep facilities open and well maintained for the benefit of residents of all ages and abilities. He was proud that the Council would be investing £3.5m in the face of closing and unsustainable facilities across the country. The investment was over a five-year period. It was noted that Executive Members had visited all facilities across the district to see first hand what works had been required and how the leisure offering could be improved.   Another Councillor in attendance stated that investment was important as there was competition for customers in this area.   Councillor Sumner proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.   Councillor Alaric Smith seconded the proposal and suggested that the investment tied in with the Asset Management Strategy which had looked at all council owned assets and allowed works to be planned more effectively.   This was voted on and approved unanimously.   RESOLVED: That the Executive: Allocate funds in the Capital Programme for the delivery of a 5-year planned investment programme, as determined by the latest condition surveys conducted at all Council owned Leisure Facilities. Delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with Executive member for Leisure and/or the Section 151 Officer to approve the project specific procurement of works and services directly, or via the Leisure Operator to deliver the programme of works over the agreed time period.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025