Decision

The Executive has decided to bring the sport and leisure service in-house, transferring functions and staff to full Council control.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations were approved to bring the service back in-house earlier than contract expiry.

summary: The decision is about approving the future sport and leisure operating model and bringing the service in-house.

topline: The Executive has decided to bring the sport and leisure service in-house, transferring functions and staff to full Council control.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves transferring functions and staff into the council, potentially affecting stakeholders and existing arrangements.

affected_stakeholders: ["Sport and Physical Activity services staff", "MCRactive company", "Sport England"]

contentiousness_score: 6

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

URL: https://democracy.manchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1162

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve the future sport and leisure operating model and associated leisure management arrangements.

Content: To approve the future sport and leisure operating model and associated leisure management arrangements. The Executive:-   (1)       Agrees to proceed with Option 2 (bringing the service in-house) by returning Sport and Physical Activity services to full Council control, winding down MCRactive as a company, and transferring all functions and staff into the council.   (2)       Agrees to bring the service back in-house one year and one month earlier than contract expiry, with a proposed go-live date of 1 February 2027.   (3)       Agrees to utilise the Council’s Shareholder Panel to oversee due diligence for the winding down of MCRactive and TUPE transfer of staff to ensure robust governance and assurance throughout.   (4)       Notes Sport England’s support for insourcing, subject to assurance that all savings are ringfenced and reinvested into community sport and physical activity.   (5)       Agrees to put in place a formal legal agreement to ensure continued, structured governance arrangements with Sport England.   (6)       Agrees to establish a Sport and Physical Activity Board following the wind down of the MCRactive Board.

Date of Decision: July 8, 2026