Pendle Council reviews budget with a focus on Leisure Trust finances, membership growth, and rising operating costs.
Colne, Barnoldswick, and Nelson centers got attention. Council finances and political changes impacted them. An old review suggested closing a leisure center; Barnoldswick, Colne, or Nelson were options.
New leaders then took control after local elections. These leaders wanted to keep all centers open but financial problems still made it hard. Nelson’s gym got a £1.7 million boost from the Nelson Town Deal.
Colne and Barnoldswick centers also saw upgrades. Pendle Leisure Trust invested in gym gear. Marsden Park Golf Club will go back to the Trust.
The Trust manages many council facilities, including the Seedhill center and Colne Muni. A new report shows good news about leisure members. Membership usually drops in late months, but the numbers stayed strong and grew instead.
They hit 4,116 at December’s end—up from September. The report links this success to investments at Pendle Centre and Wavelengths. It also cites a successful Black Friday deal.
The Council must make tough budget decisions. The Leisure Trust faces increased operating costs. The National Living Wage is a big factor. The Leisure Trust needs more funds because of wages and asked for £150,000 more, while a new CEO seeks to save money too.
The Council avoids some costs this way. However, the Trust now faces some risk and must manage other rising expenses. The Trust plans to raise fees and control spending.
The Council will still pay for energy costs directly, supporting the Leisure Trust. The report also mentions Marsden Park Golf Club, currently run by Reevolution Golf Ltd, with this contract ending during March 2025.
The Leisure Trust will manage the golf club again. This change and its costs are in the budget and will cost around £100,000 next year. The Trust’s finances may use up saved funds to balance their budget next year.
Rising inflation adds to the council’s financial strain, with fuel, energy, and vehicles increasing costs too. National Insurance payments also put pressure on the council, and property projects tied to shopping center work add expenses.