Decision details

The Executive considered a report on the Stage One review of community centres in Stevenage and which sought approval to undertake further community consultation and the establishment of co-operative agreements with existing community associations to develop a sustainable future model of community centre delivery.

The following Members’ comments were noted by officers:

·           The emphasis going forward with the review should be on working co-operatively with community associations to arrive at agreed solutions, rather than about the closure of community centres;

·           The sterling work of volunteer staff at community centres should be recognised, all of which added to the vibrancy of the town;

·           Even though SBC revenue support to community centres was diminishing, it should be made to clear to community associations that the Council still bore considerable capital costs in their upkeep;

·           Leases – the issue of trustees being reticent to sign leases was an ongoing problem. A resolution of this issue was needed as soon as possible;

·           As it was felt that councillors had an important role in putting the minds of community association representatives at rest, it was agreed that an All-Member Briefing session be held prior to the wider community consultation process on the review.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the outcome of the stage one review of community centres and the scope of options for potential future operational models be noted.

2.         That wider community consultation be undertaken to vision the future community centre offer for Stevenage to meet residents’ needs.

3.         That the implementation of a co-operative agreement with existing community associations, in order to award delivery grants for 2019/20, be approved.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.