£2m lifeline for Fife's sports trust as it battles lockdown losses

Fife Council has agreed to give Fife Sport and Leisure Trust (FSLT) a £2 million support package as it battles with a six-month lockdown of all facilities.

The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in no leisure provision at any venues since March.

The council’s package will offer centres and other FSLT- managed venues additional funding and an advancement of its management fee.

The news comes as it prepares to re-open its centres in a phased programme starting with flagship venues in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Dunfermline from September 14.

In agenda papers presented to a Fife Council scrutiny meeting yesterday, councillors noted the financial hit the trust had taken.

Work is also underway to explore further coordinated delivery of sports and leisure across FSLT and Fife Council.

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This is being piloted in Cowdenbeath in the design of a joint programme of delivery and also specific work to support physical activity for medical rehabilitation and care settings.

Emma Walker chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said: “We welcome the initial additional financial support .

“The £2 million package will help to offset the immediate business risk due to the loss of income since facilities were closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

"We are still facing significant challenges as it begins to reinstate a very large and complex organisation after six-months of mothballing alongside introducing new Covid-secure protocols to protect customers and staff.”

She said the trust would continue to back Community Leisure’s #saveleisure which highlights the urgent need to protect community leisure providers for the value they deliver to local communities in terms of health, sports development and recreation, and, for the employment opportunities they offer.

She added: “We look forward to further positive discussions with Fife Council to ensure the long-term sustainability of the trust and we will continue to champion the value of community leisure opportunities for Fife.”

Councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of Fife Council’s community and housing services committee said: "I am very happy to support the decision to provide additional funding.

“This will allow it to deliver its programme of accessible, affordable sports and leisure opportunities, supporting the health and wellbeing of our local communities.

Additional help within the package will soon be decided upon and planning for the support will be reviewed in October.