Issue - meetings

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

3.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer. 

3.2       Mr Chris Bowers and Mr Tony Parker spoke about the aims of the petition.

DECISION

3.3       The Lead Member RESOLVED to inform the petitioners that: (1) there is a contract in place up to March 2020 to deliver the current service at Ringmer Swimming Pool;

(2)        East Sussex County Council has in place a very structured and well-informed annual process to ensure that available resources are prioritised to support the key priorities of the Council; and

(3)        East Sussex County Council:

a.         Is not able to guarantee that Ringmer Swimming Pool will remain open as it considers funding decisions as part of an annual prioritisation process,

b.         are reviewing arrangements post March 2020 as there is a need for new contract arrangements,

c.         Agree that any proposed changes that may impact on community availability would be subject to consultation and this would include all relevant stakeholders.

Reasons

3.4          The provision of leisure services is not a responsibility of County Councils and therefore as part of the consideration of future arrangements the County Council will be engaging with interested stakeholders about options for the operation of the swimming pool post the current contract extension of March 2020.

3.5       Any consideration of options for how Ringmer swimming pool is managed post the current contract will be part of the County Council’s annual prioritisation process and any potential changes will be considered through a formal engagement and consultation process.