Questions And Answers For The Future Of Leisure Centres In Cardiff.
The City of Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will be considering a proposal for the Council to enter into a partnership with a not-for-profit social enterprise (Greenwich Leisure Limited). This will ensure that all of the city’s leisure centres remain open and continue to be invested in, with safeguards also being put in place to protect jobs, staff terms & conditions, staff pensions, services provided and the level of charges for use of these facilities. This proposed new way of working is not unusual for leisure services, especially in Wales, as all local authorities look at new ways to deliver these non-statutory services in innovative ways.
Q: Who are Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL)?
A: GLL are a not-for-profit charitable social enterprise that runs over 200 leisure facilities in the UK.
Q: Under the proposal, what leisure centres will GLL manage?
A: Llanishen, Eastern, Fairwater, Western, Pentwyn and Maindy leisure centres. Also the new Star Hub and Penylan Library and Community Centre.
Q: What facilities will GLL not manage?
A: The International Pool in Cardiff Bay, Cardiff International White Water, Cardiff International Sports Stadium and Channel View Leisure Centre.
Q: Is the Council selling off our leisure centres?
A – Absolutely not. The Council isn’t selling our leisure centres. The Council proposes to enter into a 15 year contract with GLL, for the company to manage and operate the leisure centres and services. Individual leases will be entered into for each of the centres.
Q: With the new arrangement, what happens to my MAX card?
A: Under the proposed agreement with GLL which is due to be finalised by the end of this year, the MAX card will continue to operate for 12 months for existing members after GLL have taken over the management of the leisure centres, under the current terms and conditions.
Q: What happens to the MAX card after the 12 months?
A: That will be determined by the company, GLL, but stringent safeguards have been put in place to cap any significant changes. GLL have to remain competitive in the market to succeed and have extensive experience in membership programmes.
Q: What happens to my Active Card?
A: Again under the proposed agreement, the Active Card for existing members will continue to be honoured for 12 months after GLL have taken over the management of the leisure centres.
Q: Will my Spin Class still run?
A: No changes to the programme will be made during the 6 month transition, GLL using their experience will review all programmes going forward to be agreed via their annual service plan that will be agreed by Senior Member of Cardiff Council who sit on the Partnership board.
Q: Will opening hours for leisure facilities change?
GLL will review the opening hours in accordance with their business plan but any alterations will require Council agreement.
Q: Will the staff change?
A: No – all staff that work in the leisure centres will transfer over to the new company and will continue to work as normal. They may have a different uniform but personnel will not change, unless they chose to leave for a different job.
Q: Will prices for these services go up?
A: The Council has ensured that stringent safe guards are in place to cap any increase in prices. The company, GLL, will do all they can to increase membership and use of leisure centres. They have to be competitive, so it would be very unwise for them to price themselves out of the market place. If services are invested in and improved, then the increase in price will reflect the services that are being provided.
Q: Will staff at the leisure Centres have their pay and conditions and pensions protected?
A: Yes – contractual terms and conditions are protected on transfer under TUPE Legislation. Pension arrangements for existing staff and those that join the company after the transfer will remain in place and are unchanged.
Q: Will the Council’s partner – GLL – Keep the Leisure Centres open?
A: Absolutely – The facilities have to remain open. Senior representatives of the Council will sit on a Partnership Board with GLL and any decisions to close or reduce hours to a facility would have to be agreed by the Board. The Council has ‘absolute discretion’ on matters such as leisure centre closures.
Q: Will GLL invest in our leisure centres?
A: Yes – there is contractual commitment from the company to invest a significant sum of money over the 15 year contract.
Q: Will leisure centres still be open for community groups to hire for children’s parties?
A: Yes – the services will still be available for the public and community groups to hire facilities at leisure centres.
Q: Will my children’s’ school still be able to use the leisure centres
A: Yes – current arrangements with schools will continue as normal.
Q: Will the Council still retain ownership of the leisure centres?
A: Yes – the Council will retain freehold ownership of these facilities. The arrangement with GLL revolves around a 15 year lease arrangement.
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