Plans for a significant change to leisure services in Neath Port Talbot Council have been delayed for another five years. Originally, the authority intended to transfer control of leisure services from Celtic Leisure to the council by April 2023. This move aimed to give the council oversight of all leisure centres and facilities in the area. However, cabinet members decided against the transfer due to concerns about the additional costs. They feared that implementing the change could result in cuts to other council services and potentially lead to the closure of certain leisure venues.
The decision to extend Celtic Leisure’s contract for five more years was made at a cabinet meeting on October 2. During the meeting, councillors reviewed three options for the timing of the transfer. The first option, bringing leisure services under council management from April 1, 2025, was deemed financially unsustainable as it could lead to a 2% increase in council tax. The other options included a five-year contract extension with either the current terms or revised terms as requested by trade union representatives.
Following deliberation, cabinet members approved the second option of a five-year contract extension starting April 1, 2025, on the current terms. A council spokesperson explained that any changes to Celtic Leisure employees’ terms and conditions would be decided by the company’s management board. The council committed to working with Celtic Leisure and Trade Unions to explore ways to enhance staff terms and conditions within budget constraints.
Council leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, emphasised the recommendation’s goal to safeguard jobs and services at Celtic Leisure. He announced a proposed additional investment of £1 million to enhance the leisure service’s quality. Cllr Hunt assured that efforts would continue to improve working conditions, pay, and pensions for Celtic Leisure employees.
However, Cllr Rob Jones, Labour leader for Neath Port Talbot, expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a council U-turn. The cabinet’s decision regarding leisure services is currently undergoing a three-day call-in period before finalisation. Subscribers can stay updated on Neath Port Talbot news by signing up for newsletters on the Wales Online platform.