Caerphilly aims to save £150k in leisure shake-up (From Campaign Series)

Caerphilly aims to save £150k in leisure shake-up

3:50pm Saturday 16th February 2013 in News

THE management of sport and leisure services in Caerphilly county is set to be re-structured in a move that could see six positions axed and £150,000 saved.

A report will be shown to the local authority's cabinet members at a meeting next Tuesday, when they will be recommended to agree to a move to a consultation period.

Responsibility for sports and leisure services was transferred to the chief executive's environment directorate in August 2012 and in a report, head of community and leisure services Mark Williams says there is now a chance to create a new structure "more fit for purpose".

Mr Williams added: "There is a need to improve accountability, clarity and consistency of roles and ensure that the services are delivered to maximise customer benefit and contribution to the wider health and well-being agenda."

If the cabinet gives the go-ahead, job descriptions at all levels will be re-written, with Mr Williams saying this will ensure all staff undertake the full range of duties expected of them and are accountable.

He cites the importance of tackling poor health, with the proposal effectively reducing the number of management level positions from nine to eight and the number of duty officer positions from 23 to 18.

He said after consultation with affected staff and trade unions, those not securing positions in the new structure would be put in the local authority's redeployment pool.

This would save £172,225 in salaries, £51,668 in wage-related overheads and £8,000 in other costs, but around £70,000 of redeployment costs must be deducted from the total saving of £232,000.

Cabinet members will be recommended to approve a consultation period starting with staff, trade unions and scrutiny members before a restructure is implemented.