16 Leisure Management System (LMS) PDF 272 KB
To receive a report from Head of Revenue, Benefits and Leisure on Leisure Management System.
Minutes:
Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Revenues, Benefits & Leisure on the Leisure Management System (LMS).
The Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:
· The service’s income exceeded £3m for the first time and resulted in it surpassing the budget by £419k. £332k was due to the change in VAT treatment for some services, with nearly £87k as a result of growth. In 2023/24, the Leisure service was subsidised by £1.4m.
· However, the budget for 2024/25 was set at £983k showing a substantial reduction of £419k to the taxpayer. This saving had been delivered as a consequence of our proactive decarbonisation investments, further cost control measures and some assumed income growth.
· In 2023, Max Associates were commissioned to undertake an independent review for the Council on the Leisure service. The Council was keen to understand how current performance compares to the wider public leisure sector and its offer against local competition.
· Leisure had already taken account of the external professional advice with regards to its pricing strategy, and Cabinet were asked to approve the digital transformation of the service that drew heavily on that external advice, alongside identified service needs.
· Part of the proposal would be to update the Leisure App, which was a significant public-facing part of the digital experience. As well as improving the customer interface with Mid Devon Leisure by streamlining the booking and membership processes, it presented an opportunity for future revenue streams from advertising and offering at-home video-based classes.
Discussion took place regarding:
· Whether the Leisure application on mobiles phones would be updated or a new one created.
RESOLVED that:
The digital transformation for the Leisure Service via a full tender process based on the four ‘lots’ proposed in (2.0) (2.1) (2.2) (2.3) be approved.
(Proposed by Cllr D Wulff and seconded by Cllr L Taylor)
Note: *Report previously circulated
Reason for Decision:
The commercial nature of the industry meant that Mid Devon Leisure could be vulnerable to threats from competition, substitutions and price sensitivity. Implementation of a new Leisure Management System would ensure the digital ecosystem is aligned resulting in improved customer service and continued growth and retention.