A Trust running leisure and cultural services in Blaenau Gwent is making a significant contribution to community development, education and health and well-being initiatives making it a strong partner for the Blaenau Gwent Deal.
An independent review concluded that Aneurin Leisure Trust is a well-run organisation with highly skilled staff, quality attractions, and has strong collaboration with the Council and aligns to the Council’s social and community values.
Full Council considered and agreed the review recommendations.
The review assessed the Trust’s operations, financial sustainability, and alignment with the Council’s strategic goals. It concluded that a Trust model was still the most effective way of delivering the services that sit with the Trust, that the Trust was consistently meeting key performance indicators, was performing well against national library standards, and was fulfilling its funding obligations. It also identified opportunities for income generation, service redesign, and collaborative partnerships to strengthen the Trust’s financial position and enhance services.
The report recommended retaining the Trust model and to increase partnership working and explore investment opportunities for facilities.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult & Communities, Councillor Helen Cunningham, said:
“By maintaining the Trust model, we can ensure the sustainability of leisure and cultural services for years to come and support our priorities for economic growth, early intervention and prevention, and communities.
"Our relationship with the Trust is vital to improve the health and well-being of residents in Blaenau Gwent. Working with the Trust on improving the wellbeing of people of all ages is a top priority for the Council and is in line with our adoption of the Marmot Principles and a new Blaenau Gwent Deal.
"Through The Blaenau Gwent Deal we will develop a new way of working with our communities, a social contract between the council, residents, and partners. It sets out a shared vision for a fairer, healthier, and more resilient borough - one where health inequalities are tackled and every resident is empowered to thrive.”
Phill Sykes, Operations Director for Aneurin Leisure Trust added:
"The Trust is happy with the outcome of the report and has worked closely with all parties to ensure the final findings are accurate to best shape the future of leisure services across Blaenau Gwent. The report reflects positively on the Trust, with specific recognition of our team’s expertise and passion for delivering high-quality services.
"Moving forward we will continue to work closely with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to develop a new business plan based on the Marmot principles and supporting the Blaenau Gwent 'Deal' whilst continuing to improve community life for the residents of Blaenau Gwent across all of the Trust's sites."
The Council is currently carrying out public engagement on how The Blaenau Gwent Deal. The consultation asks people what is good about their community; how it could be improved and how they would be prepared to play a part. The survey runs until December 31.
You can take part here.
