Local authorities across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges in providing sustainable leisure services that meet the needs of local communities. This roundtable focused on sharing useful information and innovative approaches to assist CLOA members in local discussions. Highlights included:
- Energy saving measures, and decarbonisation programmes/funding
- Strategic asset review and rationalisation
- Updates on the work of LGA and support available from Sport England in relation to the current challenges
The session was hosted by Debbie Kaye, Chair of CLOA (Head of Community Services – Cambridge City Council) and there were case studies from the following CLOA members:
- Ian Brooke, Head of Community Services provided a case study outlining the outcomes of securing funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which has resulted in a 13m investment into leisure in Oxford.
- Ian Ross, Community Sport & Recreation Manager talked about the pathway to decarbonisation and energy reduction options in Cambridge.
- Julie Russell, Service Director, Arts, Culture and Leisure gave an example of the approach to leisure facility rationalisation/transformation at Wakefield Council, which is supporting revenue reduction, energy savings and raising participation.
Ian Leete, Senior Adviser – Culture, Tourism and Sport talked about the LGA Energy support work.
Sport England representative Kevin Mills, Director for Capital Investment also joined the session and gave a presentation that highlighted the guidance and assistance available and the work they have been undertaking as part of the DCMS commission on the challenges facing the leisure sector.
