Row over cuts to pools and gyms

Swimming pools, leisure centres and sports facilities could be at risk under plans to cut financial support for West Lothian Leisure.

West Lothian Leisure could see funding squeezed by almost £1m in the next three years if councillors agree to year-on- year cuts in support when they set the budget in February.

But councillors and community representatives attending a recent meeting heard no details of the impact reductions in funding - proposed to start in 2024 would have on the services provided by WLL, including gyms and swimming pools as well as cultural facilities such as Howden House.

And one councillor said making the cuts without the details on what the impact could be would be ‘putting the cart before the horse’.

The proposal is to support West Lothian Leisure to become fully self-funded with no requirement for a management fee by 2025/26. cutting at total of £796,000 from management fees.

The trust, which is an arms length operator of sports and culture facilities for West Lothian Council, has been struggling with finances in the last four years.

Answering questions from SNP councillor Andrew Miller Alan Colquhoun Sports and Culture Manager told the meeting: “Officers have been in dialogue with the management team at West Lothian Leisure and they are in the process of preparing their future financial and operational plans and yes they think the plans are achievable.”

Councillor Miller suggested councillors were being asked to make decisions blind.

He asked: “Have there been any indications of what the consequences will be.

“It would seem that they are going to have to trim the less profitable areas which tend to be the more isolated or more vulnerable client groups.

“Do we have an indication of the impact a decision like that would have on West Lothian residents?”

Mr Colquhoun replied: “Just to reiterate the point made earlier it is indeed the West Lothian Leisure Board which is responsible.

“The council has not yet received proposals from West Lothian Leisure.

Mr Colquhoun added: “I expect there will be a number of measures to deliver efficiencies to deliver transformational change.”