The Council considered
an exempt report that outlined the proposed approach to further
support for the Fusion Leisure Group.
During the lengthy
discussion, particular reference was made to:
(a)
legal advice given by the Deputy Monitoring Officer. In his advice, the Officer highlighted
the:
-
complexity of the contractual arrangements with
Fusion generally;
-
provisions of the contract relating to changes in
the law; and
-
need to have a flexible approach to the negotiation
of the terms on which any financial support should be
given;
(b)
the significance of the decision facing the Council
was recognised by a number of Members;
(c)
a request for greater information and detail to be
included in the report that was to be presented to the next Council
meeting to be held on 22 September 2020; and
(d)
an amendment to the motion. In
recognition of the risks associated with the decision, an amendment
was moved by Cllr M V L Ewings and seconded by Cllr R Cheadle that
read as follows:
“This Council would look to support the mothballing costs
of Meadowlands and Parklands until the end of September 2020 and
any associated management costs. Any
decision as to reopening of the facilities and, where there is a
cost to the Council, shall be deferred until the Council meeting to
be held on the 22nd September 2020.”
In debate on the amendment, a number of Members expressed sympathy
with its intention, but advised that they would not be able to
support it at this time. However, the
importance of additional information and detail being included in
the report to the next Council meeting was once again
emphasised.
When put to the vote, the amendment was declared LOST.