The leader of Dudley Council has announced new plans to secure the future of leisure centres in the borough, ending an ongoing tendering process to outsource them.

The council had been carrying out a tender exercise for leisure provision in recent months. However, since this process began, significant work has been underway across the council to improve its financial position and through the budget setting process it has been able to deliver on identified savings.

With a balanced budget set for the next five years, there is now the space and time to re-evaluate all models of leisure service provision carefully and to look at options for retaining leisure provision within the direct control of the council.

Following the review of tender applications the council is no longer seeking to award an external contract.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "The council has been and remains committed to ensuring high quality, inclusive and accessible leisure services in the borough that also deliver value for money for council taxpayers.

“Over the last few months, we've carefully considered the tenders put forward by external providers. Our due diligence suggests that the best value for money in leisure centres does not lie with outsourcing at this time.

"With the significant work we have taken to improve our financial position and with a balanced budget set for the next five years, we now have the time to re-evaluate and explore the future delivery of the service.

“The work completed to date will inform this review and alongside this we will be undertaking a full evaluation of our leisure estate to support us in agreeing the best option moving forward. This shows we are being financially responsible to seek the best value for money, whilst also committing to continue delivering first class leisure services in the borough.

“We are also keen for residents to be involved in this process as we work on ensuring a vibrant and viable leisure centre services provision for all in the borough.”