blaenau gwent county borough council the chair and...

Report Date: February 2016

Report Author: David Watkins / Alun Watkins

BLAENAU GWENT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Report to

The Chair and Members of the Environment, Economy and Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee

Report Subject

Grounds Maintenance – Outdoor Sports Facility Provision

Report Author

David Watkins/ Alun Watkins

Report date

18th February 2016

Directorate

Environment & Regeneration

Executive Portfolio

Environment

Date of meeting

2nd March 2016

Date signed off by Monitoring Officer

N/A

Date signed off by Section 151 Officer

N/A

Date signed off by Chair

Key words

Grounds/Bowls/Cricket/Football/Rugby/ Sporting



Report Information Summary

1. Purpose of Report* 1.1

That Environment, Economy & Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee consider the options provided for the future delivery of Outdoor sports facility provision for Bowls, Cricket, Rugby and Football across the County Borough.

2. Scope of the Report* 2.1 2.2

The scope of the report is to consider the review of the Grounds Maintenance section, in particular the provision of outdoor sports. The provision of sports facilities is of a non-statutory nature; therefore the scope of the report is to investigate a number of options to enable the service to become efficiently sustainable within the sporting community of Blaenau Gwent.

2.3 It has been proposed that outdoor sports facilities should achieve “full cost recovery” removing any financial subsidy from the Council. This review will highlight the levels of subsidy provided to each of the outdoor sports, the potential cost recovery fees/charges applicable and the impact such charges would have on the sporting community across Blaenau Gwent.

3. Recommendation/s for Consideration* 3.1

Members of the Environment, Economy & Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee consider the four (4) options identified in this report for the future delivery of outdoor sports facilities for Bowls, Cricket, Rugby and Football.

Why this topic is a priority for the Council?* Report author to identify links to the main corporate strategies.

Single Integrated Plan (SIP)

Corporate Improvement

Plan (CIP)

Performance Management Improvement Framework

(PMIF)

Operating Model Transforming Blaenau Gwent

(TBG Programme)

Other (please state)

MTFS

Reporting Pathway* Report author to identify proposed reporting pathway. (To include dates where possible)

Directorate Management Team (DMT)

Corporate Management Team (CMT)

Audit Democratic Services

Committee

Scrutiny Executive Council Other (please state)

√

√

02/03/16

√

*Denotes mandatory section



Main Report

1. Background and Context* 1.1 The Authority currently provides outdoor sports facilities for

Bowls, Cricket, Rugby and Football on natural grass surfaces.

1.2 There are 20 outdoor recreation sites throughout the County Borough providing 48 sports venues and associated support facilities such as changing rooms, pavilions and spectator stands.

1.3 Full details of the all outdoor sports facilities managed by the Environment Department is identified in Table 1 below additionally, further details of specific sports provision and the number of clubs/users is detailed in Table 2 below: Table 1: Outdoor Sporting Facility Locations:

Facility Location Sporting Provision

Tredegar Recreation

Ground

2 x Rugby, 1 x Training

1 x Cricket

3 x Changing rooms,

pavilion & spectator

stand

Bedwellty Park Bowling

Green

1 x Bowling Green &

Pavilion

Aneurin Leisure Trust **

Tredegar Leisure Centre 2 x Rugby, 3 x Football Aneurin Leisure Trust **

Beaufort Welfare Park 1x Rugby, 1 x Football, 1

x Bowls, 1 x Cricket

2 x Changing rooms

Cricket facility withdrawn 2015 as

part of efficiency savings

Ebbw Vale Welfare

Ground

2 x Rugby 1 x Dual

Rugby/Football, 2 x

Bowling Greens, 1 x

Cricket

1 x Changing rooms &

spectator stand (rugby) ,

2 x changing room &

pavilion & pavilion

(cricket), 1 x changing

room & pavilion (bowls)



Hilltop Sports Ground 2 x Football, 2 x Mini

Football. 2 x changing

rooms

Cwm Welfare Sports

Ground

1 x Football 1 x Dual

Rugby/Football 1 x

Bowling Green, 1 x

Cricket. 3 x changing

room & pavilion

Cricket facility withdrawn (no use)

Bowling green closed 2015 due to

Bowls Club folding.

Brynmawr Welfare Park 1 x Football, 1 x Bowling

Green. 1 Pavilion &

changing room

Brynmawr Recreation

Ground

1 x Rugby, 1 x Cricket. 1

x changing room &

pavilion

Banna Park, Nantyglo 1 x Rugby, 1 x Bowling

Green. 2 x changing

room, pavilion &

spectator stand

Central Park, Blaina 1 x Rugby, 1 x Cricket

1 x changing room &

spectator stand, 2 x

changing room &

pavilion

Duffryn Park, Blaina 1 x Football, 1 x Rugby

2 x changing room

Roseheyworth Playing

Fields

1 x Football, 1 x Rugby

2 x changing room

Abertillery Park 2 x Rugby, 1 x Cricket, 1

x Bowling Green

1 x changing room &

pavilion. 1 x bowls

pavilion, 1 x changing

room & spectator stand

Jim Owen Playing Field 1 x Football,

1 x changing room &

pavilion



Woodland Playing Field 1 x Football

1 x changing room &

pavilion

Cwmnantygroes Playing

Field

1 x Football

1 x changing room,

pavilion & spectator

stand

Six Bells Park 1 x Bowling Green

1 x pavilion

Llanhilleth Park 1 x Bowling Green, 1 x

Dual Rugby/Football, 1 x

Cricket

2 x changing room &

Pavilion

Cricket facility withdrawn – no use

Brynithel Recreation

Ground

1 x Dual Rugby/Football

1 x changing room

Table 2: Data based on 2014/15 figures

Sport No of facilities No of Clubs/Users Bowling Greens 11 17 / 480*

Cricket Squares 5 5 / 217**

Rugby / Football Pitches

34 43 /2050**

* Based on actual season ticket sales 2014

** Based on info supplied by club. Where no response received average team numbers were used

1.4 To achieve the necessary financial savings in line with the Council’s medium term financial strategy, and as the provision of outdoor sports facilities is of a non-statutory nature, the service should be reviewed with the aim that such provision should become financially sustainable and achieve “full cost recovery” thus removing any council subsidy provided to outdoor sports provision.

1.5 The Grounds Maintenance Service was subject to a full service review in 2014/15 in order to achieve the necessary financial savings for the 2015/16 financial period. Budgetary savings of £157,000 was identified, £93,000 from efficiency savings such as



staff, plant, materials and £64,000 from increased fees and charges to clubs and organisations.

1.6 Subsequently fees and charges for grounds usage were increased for 2015/16 to achieve the business case targets. The percentage increases necessary to achieve the income target ranged from 35% for junior rugby/football training to 100% for bowling greens and cricket.

1.7 Despite the large percentage increases, there is still a substantial shortfall between income and expenditure to achieve full cost recovery, particularly in sports such as Bowls and Cricket where the resources required in maintaining such facilities are high.

1.8 As a result of the 2015/16 fees and charges increases, a representation of clubs in the Ebbw Fach Valley requested a meeting with the Council Leader, Deputy Leader, Chief Executive and Senior Departmental Officers to discuss the impact such price increases would have on the clubs across the County Borough.

1.9 The outcome from this meeting was:

• A sports forum was set up with the group to discuss all options available to clubs to meet the council’s policy of full cost recovery.

• The outcome of the sports forum was for an information letter to be drafted (Appendix 3) to be distributed to all outdoor sports clubs identifying options and to ensure a consistent and transparent communication process was in place.

• Following discussion with the Executive Member for Active Living it was agreed that a meeting be convened with all ward members prior to the information letter being distributed to local sports clubs, a Council Members briefing session was therefore convened on the 16th October 2015 with appropriate Officers to advise and discuss with members the content of the letter to be sent out and future intention for consultation with local sports groups.

1.10 Following the member briefing session which was well attended by members, the letter was distributed to all Blaenau Gwent



outdoor sports clubs, national governing bodies and local and national league secretaries of each sport.

1.11 The consultation process with respect to proposed changes to the operation of outdoor sports facilities undertaken during 2015/16 has included the following:

• Setting up of Blaenau Gwent Sports Forum comprising of Council Officers, representatives of each outdoor sport and a representative from Monmouthshire Bowls Association.

• Council Members Briefing session 16th October 2015

• Meetings GAVO (Gwent Association of Volunteer Organisations)

• Meetings with national and regional governing bodies; WRU (Welsh Rugby Union), FAW (Football Association of Wales), ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board), Cricket Wales, MBA (Monmouthshire Bowls Association), West Mon Bowls Association.

• Invitations to meet were made to WBA (Welsh Bowls Association) and the WWBA (Welsh Women’s Bowls Association).

• Individual club meetings have taken place with a number of sports groups commencing 20th October 2015.

• Clubs that have not attended meetings are currently being contacted with the view to invite them to a future meeting.

• GAVO arranged 2 free Information evenings that were held in December 2015, providing independent advice and guidance to clubs on the CAT process including how clubs can protect themselves and the free dedicated support that GAVO can provide.

1.12 Since 20th October 2015, a number of clubs have requested and attended meetings to discuss the options presented in the letter sent out on 20th October 2015 to all outdoor sporting organisations.

1.13 Many of the clubs were interested in the option to explore a CAT of the facilities they currently use and advice and financial information was presented to each of them at the meeting, also advising that assistance was available from GAVO.



1.14 Because the budget settlement with Welsh Government for 2016/17 is a little more favourable for the Council, sports clubs have become aware that fees and charges for 2016/17 will only rise by the rate of inflation currently placed 1.23% so some clubs have become a little reluctant to enter into a CAT with the Council until 2017/18.

1.15 The number of sports clubs that are keen to complete the process of a CAT for 2016/17 are as follows:

• Bowls organisations 5

• Football Organisations 1 (two grounds)

• Rugby 1

• Cricket 1 These groups are now nearing completion of the CAT process.

2. Options for Consideration 2.1 A thorough review of the service delivery has resulted in

identifying 4 options for consideration – for full detail of all options please refer to Appendix 2.

2.2 Option 1

2.2.1 Blaenau Gwent continue to maintain and manage outdoor natural turf sports facilities and increase prices to achieve “full cost recovery”.

2.2.2 It is proposed that the council would achieve full cost recovery by March 2019 (3 years) as follows:

• 2016/17 Fees and Charges to increase by 1.23% for summer and winter sports

• 2017/18 Fees and Charges to increase by 215% for summer sports and 91% for winter sports details can be found in 5.1 table 4 below

• 2018/19 Fees and Charges to increase by 68% for summer sports and 48% for winter sports details can be found in 5.1 table 4 below.

2.2.3 This proposal will allow time for clubs and organisations to consider their options and for the council to introduce any possible CAT transfer of facilities over the next twelve months,



also the council will achieve full cost recovery for the 2018/19 financial year.

2.3 Option 2

2.3.1 Joint (Mixed sports or clubs) or Individual Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Outdoor Sports Facilities. This would include the playing surface and the associated changing rooms, pavilions and spectator stands becoming community operated facilities under a lease arrangement with the council.

2.4 Option 3

2.4.1 A mixture of options 1 and 2 where strategically identified winter sport sites would remain under the management of the Council. These limited sites would be managed as in Option 1 to ensure that full cost recovery is achieved at each site. An annual review of these sites would be undertaken to ensure usage is cost efficient. All other sites would be offered for CAT as described in Option 2.

2.5 Option 4

2.5.1 Facility rationalisation and or closure.

2.5.2 This would involve the council identifying sites across the council to be used for sport by amalgamated groups in some instances and other sites just being left available for open access to the community with basic maintenance operations taking place.

3. Performance Evidence and Information* 3.1 As part of the review, consultation has taken place with other

South Wales Local Authorities who are part of Greenspace Wales forum. The forum members have carried out benchmarking exercises and discussed future delivery options. A comparison of neighbouring authorities in Gwent is indicated in Table 3 below:



Table 3

Authority

Caerphilly

Newport

Torfaen

Monmouthshire

Merthyr

Increased fees/charges and rationalisation

of facilities. Review of delivery currently

being undertaken

CAT of facilities

CAT of facilities

CAT of facilities

£2000 per pitch (rugby & football only),

paid by respective leagues who then book

and allocate pitches. League manages

changing rooms, but maintenance costs

remain with Council for time being.

3.2 The overall performance and usage of outdoor sports facilities can be very weather dependant with usage being greatly affected during long periods of wet conditions.

4. Impact Assessment Against Proposals / Options* 4.1 In line with the Well-being of Future Generations Bill we are

taking an integrated approach, planning preventatively and for the long term, involving all sectors in our planning and delivery, collaborating with other organisations in order to achieve these wider benefits.

4.2 Thinking for the longer Term Blaenau Gwent is seeking to operate and manage the grounds maintenance section so that it is an effective and cost neutral service.

4.3 Taking an integrated approach Blaenau Gwent through its Grounds Maintenance service has a positive impact socially and on the health and wellbeing of those who use the facilities provided. The Grounds Maintenance service was until recently (2014) part of the Leisure Services portfolio. Whilst in the Leisure portfolio grounds maintenance played an integral supporting role in the Active Living agenda. Although the service has transferred to Neighbourhood Services,



this role is still vital in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community.

4.4 Taking a preventative approach. A major factor of all the options considered in the report has been the impact any decision will have on sports participation.

4.5 Collaborating Blaenau Gwent is an active member of Greenspace Wales, a South Wales forum of local Authorities who benchmark services and charges relating to the provision.

4.6 Involvement As a result of the 2015/16 increase in fees and charges a sports forum was set up involving representatives from each sport affected together with in some cases members of their affiliated leagues/governing bodies e.g. Monmouthshire Bowls Association. Senior Officers have met with the forum members providing detailed related costs and potential options for future service delivery.

4.7 An agreed letter was drafted and sent to all sports clubs using Council facilities providing them with the potential options that would be introduced to achieve the council’s aim to provide sport without subsidy.

4.8 Equality impact assessment screening can be identified in Appendix 1

5. Financial Implications* 5.1 Based on the anticipated income/expenditure figures for 2015/16

Blaenau Gwent is currently subsidising sports facility provision by circa £323,522.

5.2 To achieve full cost recovery from clubs and organisations then fees and charges would need to be raised considerably, 430% for Summer Sports and 182% for Winter Sports.

5.3 It is proposed that fees and charges are therefore introduced over the next three years as follows:



Table 4

Fees and Charges Grounds

2016/17

£ 2017/18

% 2017/18

£ 2018/19

% 2018/19

£

Rugby/Soccer (Senior) £61.24 91% £116.97 48% 173.12

Rugby/Soccer (Junior) £35.43 91% £67.67 48% 100.15

Grounds & playing fields training (Senior) £35.43 91% £67.67 48% 100.15

Grounds & playing fields training (Junior) £21.26 91% £40.60 48% 60.1

Cricket (Senior) £80.98 215% £255.80 68% 429.74

Cricket (Junior) £40.49 215% £127.54 68% 214.27

Cricket (Training) £50.62 215% £159.45 68% 267.88

Bowls (Seasonal Ticket) £80.98 215% £255.80 68% 429.74

Bowls (Concessionary Season Ticket) £42.52 215% £134.56 68% 226.07

Bowls (Match Resident) £42.72 215% £134.56 68% 226.07

Bowls (Under 16) Season Ticket £45.55 215% £143.48 68% 241.05

Bowls (Representative Matches) £39.48 215% £124.36 68% 208.93

Fairs £278.38 20% £334.05 68% £400.86

Carnivals/ Fetes £100.22 20% £120.26 20% 144.32

Pavilions (per hour) £18.22 125% £50.00 30% 65.00

5.4 The total cost recovery on sports grounds is c£446,522 and this is projected to be achieved in the 2018/19 financial period should the above be introduced.

5.5 A detail breakdown for full cost recovery for grounds operations and premises related costs is attached at appendix 5.

6. Risk Implications* 6.1 The risk implications are that sports clubs and organisations will

not be able to raise the level of funding required to accommodate “full cost recovery” through fees and charges.

6.2 A subsequent impact as result of 6.1 would be the detrimental impact on the Health and wellbeing of those who use sports facilities, both in a participation role and supporting and social role.

6.3 This may result in the reduction of sports participation thus impacting clubs and the communities they serve.



6.4 Sports Clubs may fold as a result of increased charges.

7. Staffing/Workforce Development Implications* 7.1 There will be staffing/workforce implications whichever

delivery option is taken forward.

7.2 Staff would be redeployed in accordance with the reduced service delivery needs into the integrated frontline service and there would also be a reduction in the number of seasonal staff in order to maintain full time employees.

8. Conclusion* 8.1 The options in this report are to be considered with the preferred

option being submitted for approval to Executive.

*Denotes mandatory section

UNDERSTANDING EACH PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS

For further information and definitions on related issues e.g. discrimination, harassment, and victimisation please consult the Equality Glossary provided with this

toolkit.

Race For the purpose of the Equality Act 2010 ‘race’ includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins. A racial group can be made up of two or

more different racial groups (e.g. Black Britons).

Disability Under the Equality Act 2010, a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect

on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, which would include things like using a telephone, reading a book or using public transport.

Sex (e.g.

inequality

between males &

females

It is unlawful to discriminate against people because of their gender. We should prevent discrimination in recruitment and selection, determining pay,

training and development, selection for promotion, discipline and grievances, countering bullying and harassment. Many employers have also found

that making changes to their working practices makes good business sense and helps them attract the best people, including provisions for flexible

working for people with caring responsibilities.

Age The Act protects people of all ages. However, different treatment because of age is not unlawful direct or indirect discrimination if you can justify it,

i.e. if you can demonstrate that it is a proportionate means of meeting a legitimate aim. Age is the only protected characteristic that allows employers

to justify direct discrimination.

Sexual

Orientation

Legal protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation applies to everyone, whatever their sexual orientation. This form of

discrimination includes being treated less favourably because; you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight; people think you are lesbian, gay, bisexual

or straight; or you are associated with someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, for example a friend, relative or colleague. The law applies

to direct and indirect discrimination as well as to harassment and victimisation.

Appendix 1 – Equality Impact Assessment

Religion/Belief In the Equality Act, religion includes any religion. It also includes a lack of religion, in other words employees or jobseekers are protected if they do

not follow a certain religion or have no religion at all. Additionally, a religion must have a clear structure and belief system. Belief means any religious

or philosophical belief or a lack of such belief. To be protected, a belief must satisfy various criteria, including that it is a weighty and substantial

aspect of human life and behaviour. Denominations or sects within a religion can be considered a protected religion or religious belief. Humanism is a

protected philosophical belief but political beliefs would not be protected.

Gender

reassignment

status

The Act provides protection for transsexual people. A transsexual person is someone who proposes to, starts or has completed a process to change

their gender. The Act no longer requires a person to be under medical supervision to be protected – so a woman who decides to live permanently as

a man but does not undergo any medical procedures. It is discrimination to treat transsexual people less favourably for being absent from work

because they propose to undergo, are undergoing or have undergone gender reassignment than they would be treated if they were absent because

they were ill or injured. Medical procedures for reassignment such as hormone treatment should not be treated as a ‘lifestyle’ choice.

marriage and

civil partnership

Marriage is defined as a 'union between a man and a woman'. Same-sex couples can have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil

partnerships'. Civil partners must be treated the same as married couples on a wide range of legal matters.

pregnancy and

maternity

A woman is protected against discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity during the period of her pregnancy and any statutory

maternity leave to which she is entitled. During this period, pregnancy and maternity discrimination cannot be treated as sex discrimination.

Welsh Language The Welsh Language Act 1993 places a legal duty on public authorities to promote the use of the Welsh Language and to treat the Welsh and

English languages equally. It offers the public the right to choose which language to use in their dealings with the Council. It recognises that

Members of the public can express their views and needs better in their preferred language. It recognises that enabling the public to use their

preferred language is a matter of good practice, not a concession. It sets out how the Council will implement that principle in the provision of

bilingual services to the public in Wales, taking account of the developing linguistic nature of the County Borough.

Equality Impact Assessment Template Form

Description of Assessment (Please specify below)

Grounds Maintenance – Outdoor Sports Facility Provision

Responsible Directorate (Please specify below)

Environment

Responsible Officer (Please specify below)

Matthew Perry

Assessment Date (Please specify below)

04th January 2016

Staff Involved in Assessment (Please specify below)

Matthew Perry, Neil Hughes, Alun Watkins

PART 1: SCREENING EXERCISE TO IDENTIFY ADVERSE IMPACT

Does this ‘Option’ have a positive or an adverse impact on any of the following protected characteristics? (please complete all)

If yes Please describe what the impact will be?

What is the significance of the impact?

If low, please explain this ‘significance’ rating. (if ‘high’ please complete template below)

Race

Yes �

No X

� High

� Low

Disability

Yes X No

Adverse impact, this could result

in a reduction in the number of

facilities available.

High

X Low

Sex

Yes X No



facilities available

� High

X Low

Age

Yes X No �



facilities available.

High

X Low

Sexual Orientation

Yes � No X

� High

� Low

Religion and Belief

Yes � No X

� High

� Low

Gender Reassignment

Status Yes � No X

� High

� Low

Marriage and Civil

Partnership Yes � No X

� High

� Low

Pregnancy and Maternity

Yes No X

High

� Low

Welsh Language

Yes � No X

� High

� Low

PART2: ‘High Significance’ Adverse Impact Template Form

For each protected characteristics where an adverse impact has been identified and this impact has a

high significance, a template form must be complete. Therefore, if an option is identified as having a

highly significant adverse impact on ‘Race’ and ‘Religion and Belief’ a template form must be

complete for each protected characteristics.

Which Protected Characteristics

N/A

Please briefly explain why you have identified this protected characteristic as having a high

‘significance’ rating

N/A

Please briefly explain how the identified impact is likely to affect people?

N/A

What further information do you think is necessary understand, support or mitigate the impact

of this ‘option’? e.g. collection of secondary evidence, undertaking primary research,

consulting/engaging with affected people

N/A

What possible action can be taken to reduce or mitigate the adverse impact of these options

(and any associated effects)?

APPENDIX 2 Future Delivery Options Option 1

Delivery

Blaenau Gwent continue to maintain and mange outdoor natural sports facilities

and increase prices to achieve “full cost recovery”.

• Income Shortfall of £350,000 (2014/15 Income £78,000, Expenditure £430,000). The expenditure includes the maintenance of both sports playing surface and changing

rooms/pavilions (sports specific breakdown provided in Appendix 4)

• Fees and charges to continue to be increased with Full Cost Recovery to be implemented as detailed below:

o Cricket**1 & Bowls – April 2016/17 – 2018/19 (season commencement) o Rugby & Football – Aug 2016/17 - 2018/19 (winter season commencement) o

**1 Following meetings with cricket clubs, it has been suggested/proposed by the ECB and Cricket Wales that due to several of BG’s club struggling at present, delaying the implementation of Full Cost recovery charges/ CAT until 2018/19 to allow clubs to put the correct procedures in place to undertake a successful CAT. The ECB would be able to provide better support and assist with potential grant aid during this period. The other governing bodies have also supported and recommended this proposal and a joint letter is to be presented to Council in Jan 2016

Impact

• The applicable increases could be such that individuals and clubs would not absorb the fees/charges and would not participate in their specific sport.

• Budget implications due to the potential reduction in participation and subsequent fall in season ticket sales and facility bookings made.

Council Benefits

• Achieving Full cost recovery would increase income to c£446,522 should club usage levels be maintained.

Option 1 - High risk of impact on both the community and council. Option 2

Delivery

Joint (Mixed sports or clubs) or Individual Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of

Sports Facilities. This would include the playing surface and the associated

changing rooms, pavilions and spectator stands.

• 2 options available to this option: 1. The organisation undertaking the CAT would be responsible for all the operational

upkeep and maintenance procedures of the facility. 2. The organisation undertaking the CAT “buying back” via a Service Level Agreement

(SLA) specialised operational services such as mowing, aeration, renovations etc.

• Where facilities have joint or multiply usage, clubs/organisation would be encouraged to undertake Joint CAT. e.g. 2 or more football/rugby teams CAT one facility to share costs.

• Process of CAT to commence by 2015/16 with full implementation by 2018/19.

Impact

• If no CAT interest by April 2017 full cost recovery would be implemented or Facility Closed • Clubs/Organisations nervous of taking on responsibility

• Budget Implications where facilities are closed & essential maintenance costs would still be required. i.e. building rates, statutory testing etc.

• Loss of smaller single team clubs unable to take on the costs or responsibility of a facility may fold. e.g. Sunday league pub teams, lower league rugby clubs with historical ties to the community.

• Time scale of implementation would mean little or no opportunity of budgetary efficiency savings being made in 2016/17.

Council Benefit

• If all changing rooms and pavilions are transferred an efficiency saving of up to £180,000 could be achieved

• Subsequent savings on supplies, services and transport related costs could be achieved.

Option 3

Delivery

• A mixture of options 1 and 2 where strategically identified winter sport

sites would remain under the management of the Council. These limited

sites would be managed as in Option 1 to ensure that full cost recovery is

achieved at each site. An annual review of these sites would be

undertaken to ensure usage is cost efficient. All other sites would be

offered for CAT as described on Option 2.

• Maintenance and management by BGCBC with cost recoverable fees and charges applicable.

• Sites to be strategically identified to enable minimal travelling access • If sites identified for this delivery receives a CAT application then the CAT option will be

considered.

Impact

• The sites identified would have to receive enough bookings to enable the site to be cost effective with no council subsidy. A trial period to assess the bookings and income received would indicate whether the site would be efficiently viable.

Option 4

Facility rationalisation and or closure.

• Sites where no clubs have shown an interest in CAT or following a thorough financial viability

review would be closed as a hired sporting facility.

• Sites such as winter sports pitches and cricket the facilities would be receive minimal maintenance to allow the site to be used as an informal recreational facility by the community.

Impact

• Continued budget Implications where facilities are closed & essential maintenance costs would still be required. i.e. building rates, statutory testing, minimal grounds maintenance (grass cutting) etc.

• No formal sporting facility for the community it services.

APPENDIX 3

Letter Distributed to Clubs/Association 20th October 2015

Dear Club/organisation

RE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON FUTURE SERVICE DELIVERY AND USE OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN BLAENAU GWENT

As you are aware from previous correspondence, the unprecedented financial savings facing

the council has resulted in substantial increases in fees and charges for the use of sports

facilities.

Unfortunately, it is inevitable that further increases will be implemented to achieve the

council’s aim of “full cost recovery”.

Following the notification of the 2015/16 price increase, the Council Leader and Deputy

Leader approached by a group representing sporting clubs from the Ebbw Fach valley

concerned about the impact such increases are having on the sporting community.

Subsequently a meeting was arranged with those members and senior council officers. The

outcome of the initial meeting was to establish a Blaenau Gwent wide sports forum

comprising of representatives of bowls, cricket, rugby and football clubs using council

facilities to discuss all options available to clubs and organisations to meet the council’s

policy of full cost recovery.

Two meetings were held with open and frank dialogue where the representatives of each

sport contributed in an unbiased (to their own club/area), challenging, critical but proactive

manner, thus enabled the meetings to be very productive which has provided a good basis

from which we can now consult with all clubs on future service delivery and allow clubs to

investigate the options available.

Attached is a brief information overview of the potential options available to all sports

clubs/organisations together with a further sport specific financial breakdown of each of the

options.

We can arrange either sport specific meetings or if you would prefer a separate meeting with

your specific club as part of the consultation process to enable clubs/organisations to

discuss any issues they have about the options being considered.

Therefore, if your club would like to arrange a meeting to discuss the Community Asset

transfer of your existing facility based on the information attached, please could you contact

us before the 13th November 2015 in order for us to start the dialogue process?

Cont.OO..

Should you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact me on the number

above or Alun Watkins on 01495 311556.

Yours sincerely

Leisure Services and Facilities Manager

APPENDIX 4

Sport Specific Cost Breakdown – distributed to Club with letter as per appendix 3

APPENDIX 5

Cost Breakdown Premises Related and Grounds Maintenance

Site Pavilion

No.

Stand

No.

sport Winter/Summer Winter

£

Summer

£

Tredegar Recreation 1 Rugby/Football Winter 3,843

Tredegar Recreation Cricket Summer 3,843

Bed Park 1 Bowls Summer - -

Tredegar LC 1 Rugby/Football Winter - -

Beaufort Welfare 2 Rugby/Football Winter £15,372

Cwmnantygroes 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Ebbw Vale Welfare 1 1 Rugby/Football Winter 15,372

Ebbw Vale Welfare 1 Cricket Summer 7,686

Ebbw Vale Welfare 1 Bowls Summer 7,686

Six Bells 1 Bowls Summer 7,686

Hilltop 2 Football/Rugby Winter 15,372

Cwm 1 Football/Rugby Winter 7,686

Llanhilleth 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Brynmawr Welfare 1 Football/Bowls Summer/Winter 3,843 3,843

Brynmawr Rec 1 Rugby/Cricket Summer/Winter 3,843 3,843

Banna Park 1 Rugby/Bowls Summer/Winter 3,843 3,843

Central Park 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Central park 1 Cricket Summer 7,686

Brynithel 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Duffryn Park 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Rosehayworth 1 Rugby/Football Winter 7,686

Abertillery Park 1 Cricket Summer 7,686

Abertillery Park 1 Bowls Summer 7,686

Abertillery Park 1 1 Football/Rugby Winter 15,372

Jim Owen 1 Football/Rugby Winter 7,686

Woodland Field 1 Football/Rugby Winter 7,686

Totals 27 2 146,034 61,488

There are 27 facilities associated with the Grounds Maintenance premises budget totalling £207,513

per annum, this equates to an average of £7,686 per property.

Therefore full cost recovery for winter and summer sports is as follows;

1. Winter

Ground maintenance costs £ 91,000

Premises related costs £146,034

Total £237,034

2. Summer

Ground maintenance costs £148,000

Premises related costs £ 61,488

Total £209,488

Current predicted cost recovery through fees and charges is £84,000 for winter sports and £39,500

for summer sports.

In order to achieve full cost recovery the fees and charges will need to be raised by the following;

182% for winter sports

430% for summer sports

blaenau gwent county borough council the chair and...

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