The Executive discussed the 2025/26 Additional Revenue Budget Savings Proposals and Capital Programme Review, the Shipley Locality Plan - Progress Update 2024 and the Sports Facilities Service Review. The Executive approved the commencement of consultation engagement on savings proposals totaling £5.917m, approved the saving of £2.600m related to reductions in the Capital Programme and agreed to the closure of Baildon Recreation Centre in March 2025.

2025/26 Additional Revenue Budget Savings Proposals and Capital Programme Review

The Executive was asked to note the proposals for savings in 2025/26. The Director of Finance, Steven Mair, explained that the proposals would contribute towards the £40m of savings that are required each year for the next 5 years for the Council to become financially stable. He added that a number of the proposals would be subject to consultation with residents.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, thanked officers for their work on the proposals. Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, also welcomed the work of officers and explained that the consultation on the proposed closure of Baildon Recreation Centre would involve conversations with the groups that use the centre.

A Member of the Conservative group stated that they awaited the full details of the budget before making an assessment of the proposals. They also questioned the viability of the proposed savings in relation to sport and leisure. A Member of the Green group sought clarification around the proposed use of technology to deliver efficiency savings. Another Member of the Green group questioned the lack of consultation on the closure of Baildon Recreation Centre. The Chief Executive, Kersten England, responded by stating that the proposals thus far had robust business cases associated with them.

Shipley Locality Plan - Progress Update 2024

The Executive was asked to comment on a report on the progress that had been made on the priorities that were set out in the Shipley Locality Plan. The Shipley Area Co-ordinators, Damian Fisher and Mick Charlton, explained the work that had been undertaken in the Shipley Area, giving examples of the initiatives that were taking place.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe welcomed the preventative work that the Shipley Area Office was undertaking. They also highlighted the Regeneration work that was taking place in Shipley, including the work on the Shipley Towns Fund. They also praised the work that was taking place in Bingley in relation to the City of Culture, noting the grant funding that the Bingley Arts Centre had been awarded.

Sports Facilities Service Review

Councillor Sarah Ferriby explained that the consultation on the proposed closure of Baildon Recreation Centre would involve ensuring that alternative provision could be secured for the groups that use the centre. A Baildon Ward Councillor who was present at the meeting questioned the lack of consultation and the short notice given on the proposals. They explained that the closure of the centre would be another loss for residents. Councillor Sarah Ferriby responded by stating that discussions were ongoing with the groups that use Baildon Recreation Centre and that these would continue.