Council Lobbies for More Funding for Leisure Services
January 30, 2009 Next Page »
As a result of the ‘miserly’ settlement from the One Wales Government, Rhondda Cynon Taff’s Labour-controlled Council has been forced into reviewing the level of Leisure provision across the County Borough.
Cabinet Members are set to debate fall out from the low settlement on ‘bread and butter’ services in the coming weeks.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism, County Borough Councillor, Robert Bevan said:
“The realities of the dire settlement from the Assembly are hitting home.
“They have failed to prioritise funding the important local services we all value and appreciate and as a consequence we are being forced by the One Wales Assembly Government to consider some tough proposals in relation to our Leisure Centres and Cultural facilities.
“So low is our settlement we are faced with no alternative than reviewing the future of such facilities.
“I have written to the Culture & Sports Minister, Alun Fred Jones AM to express our dismay and to outline, clearly and bluntly, the consequence of failing to funding such services is going to have on communities like mine and those my colleagues represent.
“It is farcical that in one breath the Assembly wishes to encourage us to lead more active and healthy lifestyles, yet with the other starves such services of funding.
“As someone who used to be an active sportsman, I share the anger local people are likely to feel, if such decisions become necessary. I Hope the Culture Minister takes heed of our request as the Assembly has left us no options or room to manoeuvre.
“I have yet to receive a response from the Minister to my request on behalf of the Cabinet.”
As part of its budget planning process, Cabinet will receive a number of options in relation to future Leisure Centre and Cultural Service provision across the County Borough.
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