Community pools decision called-in for scrutiny
A DECISION to hand back three community pools to Lancashire County Council has been called-in for scrutiny.
The county council owns pools next to schools in Hornby, Carnforth and Heysham.
These pools are currently managed by Lancaster City Council and subsidised to the tune of £133,500. The pools are mainly used to provide swimming for schools and swimming clubs.
As its meeting on January 19, the city council’s Cabinet agreed to give the county council 12 months notice to end this partnership.
Cabinet made its decision due to the likelihood that in future years the city council will face a reduction in the funding it receives from the Government to run its services and therefore needs to identify areas where money can be saved.
By giving 12 months notice Cabinet agreed that this would give the county council time to consider the future of their pools.
However, the decision has now been called-in for scrutiny.
The council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will investigate the issue at its meeting on February 8 at Morecambe Town Hall, starting at 6pm.
Members of the committee will have the opportunity to question the decision makers, make recommendations and potentially ask Cabinet to reconsider the decision.
Other options available are to refer the matter to full council who, after debate, can accept Cabinet's decision or refer it back to Cabinet for reconsideration.
Alternatively the committee can decide to take no action, in which case the decision will be implemented.
Date Published: 29/01/10