7:10am Wednesday 3rd March 2010
By Matt Smith
SOUTHAMPTON’S leisure boss will face a grilling this week over the controversial decision to bring in a private firm to run council leisure facilities.
Opposition councillors will demand a rethink citing a lack of public consultation, a failure to demonstrate value for money, to consider alternatives, or take into account staff views.
Tories pressed ahead with the proposals despite more than 3,000 people signing a petition objecting to the move. Up to 500 jobs will be affected. It comes as unions are to ballot librarians and museum staff on industrial action over the proposed use of volunteers to do their jobs.
Cabinet member for leisure Councillor John Hannides has branded the “call-in” an abuse of process that has come too late.
He said the decision to privatise the management of leisure services had been taken 18 months ago.
The council last month chose DC Leisure, in partnership Active Nation, a charity, to run its leisure centres, pools and sports pitches, including the flagship Quays complex.
Cllr Hannides insisted the deal was “excellent value for money”, would save the local taxpayer £8m, improve services and increase usage.
He added unions were consulted and staff have been kept up-to-date through meetings and newsletters.
Labour councillor Simon Letts, the chairman of the powerful scrutiny committee who has ordered his appearance tomorrow, said he was putting party ideologybefore what is best for staff and customers.
Unison branch secretary Mike Tucker said members were concerned about their long-term job security adding the savings will be largely down to the “tax avoidance” of business rates and VAT.
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