Stour Centre Funding
New funding arrangements for the Stour Centre
Members of the Executive
and the Ashford Leisure Trust have agreed the principles for an
innovative new operational funding arrangement for the Stour Centre
which will see Ashford Borough Council manage the leisure centre’s
utility costs. Under the agreement Ashford Leisure Trust will no
longer receive a subsidy and will share income growth with the
Council.
Historically Ashford Borough Council has given
the Ashford Leisure Trust an annual subsidy. However this year the
two organisations have agreed a new way forward which should prove
better all round.
Under the deal the Council will take over
responsibility for purchasing and managing the Stour Centre’s gas
and electricity with the advantage of improving the Council’s
negotiating position when purchasing future supplies, improving
operational efficiency and reducing consumption by setting energy
reduction targets.
Ashford Borough Council and Ashford Leisure
Trust are now working together to finalise the details.
Cllr Paul Bartlett, Portfolio Holder for
Resource Management explained, “This agreement is good for the
Council Tax payer and the Stour Centre customer as it will deliver
better value for money to both.”
Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Portfolio Holder for
Cultural Services welcomed the agreement saying, “This is a
sensible way forward for both organisations improving cost
effectiveness and energy efficiency.”
Media Release 0202/09
26/06/2009
This webpage was updated on
6/29/2009