Issue - meetings

This report presents the 2011/12 budget proposals for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion. The Executive Member is asked for his comments on the proposals.

The Executive Member considered a report that presented him with the 2011/12 budget proposals for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion.

RESOLVED:             (i)            That the report be noted.

(ii)               That in relation to the proposal to alter the hours of operation of the main parks and gardens, the following was agreed; that in summer the closing times shall continue to be 9.30/10pm, and that on Saturdays and Sundays the opening time shall be 9am.

(iii)             That the proposals detailed in the report and associated annexes be forwarded to the Budget Executive meeting for consideration.

REASON:                              In accordance with consultation on the budget.

The Executive Member considered a report that presented him with the 2011/12 budget proposals for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion. He spoke about how there had been significant challenges in terms of protecting services in the face of decreased resources, particularly within his portfolio area.

He highlighted that he felt that York’s libraries, Energise and its open spaces provided value for money when compared to other Local Authorities across the country.

The Executive Member was informed that as part of the consultation process, Officers had received comments from local bowling clubs in relation to the proposal to close the five main parks and gardens at 9.00 pm in the summer. The comments suggested that the closing time of 9.00 pm during the summer could be detrimental to the clubs, due to the possibility of late running matches.

Officers suggested to the Executive Member that the parks could remain with their current closing times, but that they could open at the earlier hour of 9 am at the weekends. This would then reduce the need to employ temporary staff in order to comply with the working time directive.

The Executive Member noted these comments and suggested that Officers amended the proposal.

RESOLVED:             (i)            That the report be noted.

(ii) That in relation to the proposal to alter the hours of operation of the main parks and gardens, the following was agreed; that in summer the closing times shall continue to be 9.30/10pm, and that on Saturdays and Sundays the opening time shall be 9am.

(ii)               That the proposals detailed in the report and associated annexes be forwarded to the Budget Executive meeting for consideration.

REASON:                              In accordance with consultation on the budget.