The task is to identify and provide options for the various organisational, funding and legal issues of forming a new Social Enterprise to manage Museums, Libraries, Leisure Centres and Community Halls, with the Council retaining ownership of all assets.

Steven Purcell, the Leader of Glasgow City Council believes the move will bring major benefits in terms of improving the delivery of the services and providing fresh and innovative ways to fund them. 

Councillor Purcell said “We currently do a very good job of providing cultural and leisure services across the city, but it is quite clear that the changes we are looking at would provide further opportunities in terms of funding, managing and delivering the services.

“There will be the potential for investment from Trusts, Foundations and the commercial sector that we as a Council simply are unable to access.  We have shown through the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal just what can be achieved for the arts and culture through dynamic public/private sector partnerships. 

“Other areas in the UK have already seen how the establishment of a new Social Enterprise model brings positive change.  Our officers have now been tasked with bringing forward a viable and dynamic Business Plan that will outline just how much Glasgow can benefit from such an approach.”

Initial work has identified that the Council would, for example, be able to make savings through obtaining rates relief and aspects of VAT amounting to some £9.7million per annum, a sum that would be reinvested in frontline services.

The preparation of the Business Plan will begin immediately, and is scheduled to be completed by January 2007.