Decision

To approve the decision to change from the Leisure Operating Contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd (T/a Freedom Leisure) to an Agency Agreement to be more financially efficient.

Reasons for the decision

The change in operating model to reflect the true relationship of the contractual relationship.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – this option was not recommended. If the Council does not change to an Agency Agreement it will not be operating with financial resilience in mind. The financial benefit of the new arrangement delivers £5m over the next 10 years allowing the Council to become financially sound and support services that are unable to deliver a commercial return.