Decision details

To note options and agree next steps for the delivery of Buzz Active. (Buzz Active offers outdoor land and water based activities from three locations within East Sussex: Eastbourne Seafront, Bushy Wood in Hailsham and Cuckmere Haven. This decision will enable the Council to progress with the exploration of a different operating model to ensure Buzz Active is fully supported to grow as a centre of excellence for outdoor education and activities for children, young people, their families and the wider community within East Sussex.)

32.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children's Services together with exempt information in a later agenda item.

DECISIONS

32.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Approve the proposal to seek an alternative provider to operate Buzz Active;

2) Agree that, provided a suitable alternative provider can be identified, Buzz Active will be transferred through either a sale or transfer of entity;

3) Delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to determine the most suitable third party to take over Buzz Active, agree the terms of any sale or transfer and to authorise the Council entering into such legal agreements as are necessary to give effect to the sale or transfer of Buzz Active; and

4) Delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to carry out all other actions necessary to give effect to the recommendations in the report.

REASONS

32.3     Given the financial pressures the Council is facing, it is necessary for departments to review all of their expenditure, especially spending on non-statutory services. The Buzz Active service, whilst non-statutory, makes a positive contribution to the residents of East Sussex and the Council has therefore explored ways to ensure the continuation of this valuable service in the future. It is considered that the best way to secure the ongoing provision of these outdoor activities is to explore different delivery models; and therefore the Council will seek an alternative provider to operate Buzz Active in the future.

32.4     Following feedback at the ‘test the market’ event in September, the route likely to be most effective in achieving this is considered to be through a sale or transfer of entity and provided a suitable alternative provider can be identified, this is the route the Council will take. This will enable the service to continue to grow and adapt appropriately to support the local community and wider county in the provision of outdoor adventure and water sport activities outside of the Council.

32.5     Delegation of authority to the Director of Children’s Services to determine the most suitable third party to take over Buzz Active, agree the terms of any sale or transfer and to authorise the Council entering into such legal agreements as are necessary to give effect to the sale or transfer of Buzz Active will facilitate this process.