Warning of higher charges if attractions run for profit
Jun 5 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
SPORTS and arts centres in North Tyneside could be privatised as council bosses look to save thousands of pounds.
Despite record taxpayers’ cash being invested in buildings such as Whitley Bay Playhouse and St Mary’s Island and Lighthouse, council officers are considering the benefits of a mass privatisation which could see cultural services run by unaccountable businesses.
Conservative councillors in North Tyneside have raised concerns the move could increase prices for users.
The move would pass leisure centres including Parks Sports Centre and Tynemouth Pool to a business or non-profit charity.
The proposal, yet to be debated by councillors, could include St Mary’s Island and Lighthouse, the Playhouse, the Saville Exchange Auditorium and the Buddle Arts Centre. Other leisure centres up for review include Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Whitley Bay Leisure Pool, the Lakeside Centre and Wallsend Pool.
The officer’s report, due to go before the cabinet, makes it clear less control would be retained by the council under a charity and much less with a Public Private Partnership. Conservative group leader Coun Michael McIntyre said the cuts would be scrapped if the Tories took control of the council next year.
He said: “We do not want to see these services put at risk.
“We know there are budget problems at the council and the mayor has millions of pounds to find, but there are other ways of making these savings. My family and I go to Wet’n’Wild every now and then, but like others we can’t afford to go every week.
“We can afford council swimming pools because they are subsidised. The big risk here is that removing these assets from council control will see business pressures put before community benefits.
“Put simply, councils run these services to help people, businesses do not. There’s nothing wrong with running a company for profit, but we have to get our priorities right.”
A council spokesman said options were being explored, but no decision had been taken.
“In January, cabinet agreed to explore available options to deliver excellent cultural and leisure services, at best cost, that involve our communities in the design and delivery of them.” Officers would report in July.
