1.     Cabinet authorised the Director for Places to form a Project Board and associated structures (attached as Appendix A of the report) in order to undertake a leisure provision needs analysis, and if required subsequent procurement.

2.     Cabinet approved the content of the Needs Analysis and Options Appraisal Brief as attached at Appendix B of the report, and authorises the Director for Places and Portfolio Holder for Culture & Leisure to make any necessary subsequent amendments if required.

3.     Cabinet approved the extension of the present Leisure Management contract with Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) for up to one year (to 31st March 2023) if required to complete procurement processes.

4.     Cabinet authorised the Director for Places and the Director for Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Finance and the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Culture & Leisure, to agree financial support for the present Leisure Management Contract of up to £100,000 in 2022/23, subject to interim performance reviews.