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Response by the Cabinet Member: Dear Cllr Beverley, Thank you for your email with regard to the leisure review report that will be discussed and considered by the Economy, Residents, and Communities Scrutiny Committee on 17 June and later by Cabinet on 14 July. In response to your question as to whether it is appropriate for Councillors to become aware of such matters through reports in the local press prior to the issuing of an agenda, I do not consider this to be appropriate at all. On the occasions in question, the report was instigated by the local press asking the Council if it was “still going ahead with” its leisure review, or if it had been “abandoned”, and additionally: “If it hasn’t when will the results be announced and put before the council?” To this our Communications Team replied: “An updated report on leisure services is scheduled to be considered by Cabinet in June.” The local media outlet used this response as the basis for its article and added the options that were being considered when the future of leisure services in Powys was last being publicly debated by the Council in 2024. After publication of the article, our Communications team approached the outlet with an additional clarifying comment from me: “The report being presented to Cabinet sets out a proactive approach to continuing the Council’s review of leisure provision. Cabinet will be asked to agree a review programme and timeline in preparation to re-tender the Leisure Contract for a start date of 1 July 2030.” They were also advised that the review would not be “completed” the following month and asked if it could be made clearer that the options they were mentioning were those put forward for consideration two years ago. When the agenda for the scrutiny meeting is published today, I am pleased to share that the report sets out a timeline for reviewing leisure services and options for investment into existing leisure facilities across Powys, and includes: · The importance of leisure services in supporting physical and mental wellbeing, reducing demand on health and social care services, and strengthening communities. · The need to prepare for the re‑tendering of the leisure service ahead of the current contract ending in 2030, balancing community wellbeing with affordability. This must recognise the significant financial challenges facing the council, while acknowledging that leisure centres remain vital in a rural county like Powys. You will also see that the report outlines a phased programme to shape the future of leisure provision in Powys. This includes: · Refreshing existing data and evidence on leisure provision (summer – autumn 2026). · Local, place-based engagement with residents and stakeholders to explore future options for leisure and physical activity opportunities (autumn 2026). · Developing potential models for a future ‘Active Powys’ offer, combining leisure centres with wider community-based opportunities. · Public consultation on preferred options (autumn 2027). · Final decisions and preparation for a new leisure contract, with a new model expected to be in place by July 2030. Alongside the longer-term review, Cabinet will also be asked to consider interim investment options in the leisure estate. The recommended approach prioritises: · Essential health and safety work across all leisure centres. · Targeted improvements to support sustainability and accessibility. · Continued progress towards net zero and energy efficiency measures. The report highlights that around £2.5 million has been invested since 2024 to maintain facilities, alongside external funding for energy efficiency improvements such as solar panels and LED lighting. There are also plans to invest between £3 million and £6 million into leisure centres over the next four years, depending on the option Cabinet chooses next month. Our leisure centres play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents across Powys. They are places where people of all ages can stay active, connect with others and improve their quality of life. We want to increase participation in sport and leisure and this report, while recognising the significant challenges we face, sets out a positive way forward. At this point in time, we are investing in our leisure estate and have no proposals to close any leisure centres. Feedback from the Economy, Residents, and Communities scrutiny committee will be used to inform the final report to Cabinet, which is scheduled to consider the proposals on 14 July. Further public engagement and consultation will follow as part of the next phase of the review. Yours sincerely, Cllr Raiff Devlin
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