Sports increases halted pending review

PLANNED increases in charges for sporting facilities have been stopped pending a review, Carmarthenshire councillors decided today.

At a meeting of full council it was decided that the issue, which has caused concern amongst a number of sports clubs, would go back to the drawing board.

Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge had already announced earlier this week he would be seeking the support of the executive board to review the charges proposed for 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Today, a notice of motion brought forward by Cllr Emlyn Dole was approved which means that the executive board will revisit the issue and take new proposals back to full council for decision.

The motion read: “That full Council requests its Executive Board to freeze the proposed charges for ‘sporting facilities’ (football, rugby, bowls and cricket) and in the meantime enter into a wide ranging and meaningful discussion with representatives of all the four sports organisations (Carmarthen United Sports Committee) who are extensive users of these facilities provided by the County Council.”

Cllr Madge said: “It’s been difficult for us as an executive board, we are honestly trying to balance the books, facing budget cuts of £31million.

“Some things could have been done in a different way, I accept that, it’s why I said we should go back to the drawing board for years two and three.

“We will come back to council with a report, I promise a full debate, and we will get it right.

“I would like to praise the people who have campaigned, I’ve done it myself, I’ve been in the gallery protesting against decisions I disagreed with. I pay tribute to them, and we have listened to them this morning.”

The charges were being brought in to remove the subsidy of almost £300,000 which it currently costs the council to maintain some clubs.

Over half the sporting clubs in Carmarthenshire operate without county council subsidies, either running their own facilities or using those of the town or community councils.

A number of asset transfers, where sporting facilities currently run by the county council are handed over to either town or community councils or sporting organisations, are underway.

Cllr Colin Evans, the executive board member who is responsible for sports facilities, said: “I fully appreciate the major concerns expressed by the clubs and sports associations on this whole issue of fees and charges, and we have listened to these concerns.

“We recognise the value of sport on health and well being of people and communities, that is why we will continue to work with town and community councils and local sports clubs and associations to resolve these issues.”

Cllr Dole said after the meeting that he was pleased to have had the support of full council.

“I am pleased for sporting clubs that this has been approved by council, it has caused considerable concern across the county,” he said.