Consultation display

Local Authority Library and Leisure Services

Purpose of the consultation

The Local Government and Housing Committee is looking at local authority leisure and library services.

 

Over the past decade, local authority spending on leisure and library services has reduced significantly. Several authorities have transferred responsibility for running some of its services to community councils, voluntary groups and social enterprises. Some facilities during that time have closed, while others have been consolidated to form larger one-stop shops providing additional services, such as housing support or money advice.

 

There are numerous models in use by local authorities to deliver their leisure and library services. These include, but are not limited to, providing services solely “in house”, through partnership arrangements, through local authority trading companies (LATCs), contracting management to not-for-profit organisations or transferring assets to community groups.

 

This inquiry will focus on the current state of local authority service provision in relation to leisure and library services, and examine the challenges facing councils in maintaining these services. The inquiry will also explore the various delivery models in use and the benefits associated with them.

 

The inquiry will look specifically at:

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>>>    The current state of local authority leisure and library service provision;

>>>    The financial and operational challenges facing local authorities to maintain these vital community services;

>>>    Local authority arrangements and exit strategies where alternative delivery models utilised are unsuccessful;

>>>    How the provision of other services provided by local authorities interact with leisure and library services;

>>>    How local authorities use alternative models of service delivery in Wales, and the perceived benefits associated with them;

>>>    Good practice to ensure sustainability of local leisure and library services for future generations.

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Providing Written Evidence

The Senedd has two official languages, Welsh and English.

 

In line with the Senedd’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee welcomes contributions in both or either of our official languages, and we ask organisations that are subject to Welsh Language standards or schemes to respond in line with their own obligations. Please inform the Committee when submitting responses if you intend to provide a translation at a later date.

 

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

 

Disclosure of information

Please ensure that you have considered the Senedd’s policy on disclosure of information before submitting information to the Committee.

Supporting documents

Contact details

Should you wish to speak to someone regarding this consultation, please use the below contact details:

Local Government and Housing Committee
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN

Email: SeneddHousing@senedd.wales
Telephone: 0300 200 6565