(a)          Decision(s)

That, having noted the position concerning "Play around the Parishes" and the purple flag scheme, the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Civic Amenities, be authorised to implement the proposals set out in the Appendix attached to the Cabinet report.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To accord with the Council’s decision to operate in a commercial manner, mitigating the significant reductions in Central Government support by a combination of efficiency savings, income generation and new ways of delivering services which do not require direct Council resource input.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

To continue to provide services in the traditional manner, but this is not an option in the current and likely continuing severe financial climate and the Council needs to explore all the options for on-going service delivery.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  That Committee has already had an opportunity to consider this matter and was supportive of the proposals.  However, the Committee asked that Equality Impact Assessments be carried out in respect of the services in question.  These had subsequently been carried out and the outcome was summarised in the Cabinet report.  Cabinet noted that it had been concluded that AVDC should continue to offer the "Play Around the Parishes" scheme, although continue to examine alternative means of funding, and the "Purple Flag" accreditation.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.