Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall has reaffirmed her strong opposition to the proposed privatisation of leisure services in the Borough, following the recent public demonstration in support of keeping services in-house and not-for-profit.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out last week to stand up for public leisure services,” said Cllr Kendall. “It was a privilege to join you. Your voices matter, and your presence sent a clear message: our communities and our employees value accessible, inclusive, and publicly accountable leisure provision.”

Cllr Kendall is urging even more residents to make their views known at the upcoming council meeting on 18th September, where the future of leisure services will be debated and decided.

Join the protest:

 Bangor City Hall

 6:30pm, Wednesday 18th September

 Let your voice be heard before the 7pm council meeting

“Councillors are elected to serve the people of the Borough—not private interests,” she said. “We must reject any model that risks continuing a two-tier system where some areas enjoy high-quality services while others are left to profiteers. A hybrid model is simply not good enough, the status quo cannot remain.”

The councillor expressed astonishment at learning that incredibly limited consultation had taken place with leisure staff on the ground, despite assurances from senior Directors that engagement had occurred. “It’s deeply concerning that the very people who run our leisure centres day in and day out were not properly consulted,” she said. “Their insights are invaluable, and their voices must be heard.”

She also extended her thanks to all Council and leisure employees who have spoken out and made their views known. “Your courage and commitment to public service is deeply appreciated,” she added.

Cllr Kendall pointed to successful examples like Tower Hamlets, where leisure services were recently brought back in-house under the ‘Be Well’ initiative. Tower Hamlets Council prioritised health outcomes and accessibility, investing in upgraded facilities and targeted programmes for women, older adults, and those with long-term conditions.

“Tower Hamlets and other UK councils have shown that public control of leisure services leads to better outcomes for residents,” said Cllr Kendall. “We must follow their lead and ensure our leisure centres remain community hubs—not profit centres.”

Unions including GMB, NIPSA, and Unite have warned that full privatisation could have far-reaching consequences for workers, families, and the quality of leisure provision. They argue that council-run facilities are more affordable, secure jobs, and reinvest in public services.

Cllr Kendall concluded:
“Now is the time to act. Let’s protect our public services, stand up for fairness, and ensure leisure remains a right—not a privilege and not for profit.”

ENDS

Green Party representatives Cllrs Barry McKee and Rachel Woods have passed a motion calling for Ards & North Down Borough Council to explore becoming Living Wage, Living Hours & Living Pensions accredited with the Living Wage Foundation.

Representative for Bangor West, Cllr McKee said "We don’t believe that any worker employed by Councils or workers that provide Council services as employees of other companies should be paid a wage that is below one that gives a decent standard of living as a minimum.  

By seeking accreditation, Ards & North Down Borough Council would be able to keep wages fair, year in yearout for those on the lowest pay. TheReal Living Wage rate iscalculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence about living standards in the UK.

Even though Council employees at Ards & North Down all earn above the Real Living wage, this could slip in the future, so accreditation canhelpensure that wewillcontinue to be a good employer andretaina solid commitment to social responsibility for those on the lowest pay.

Cllr for Holywood & Clandeboye, Rachel Woods said " The Living Hours standard calls on employers to provide the right to decent notice periods for shifts: of at least 4 weeks’ notice, with guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this notice period, the right to a contract that reflects accurate hours worked, a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week (unless the worker requests otherwise). It's a huge statement of dedication to not only pay a good wage rate, but to guarantee financial stability for our team and their families.

The living pensions is another accreditation that can be considered.It is a voluntary savings target for employers, to help workers build up a pension pot that will provide enough income to meet basic everyday needs in retirement. It is independently calculated based on the real cost of living, based on 12% of a full time living wage and provides some future assurances, which given what we are all experiencing now, and many of us have been for a while, could help with cushioning against poverty in years to come. By introducing a Living Pension alongside the Living Wage, employers can help employees meet the real cost of living today and in the future.

There is real opportunity for parity of pay for workers who provide services for this council but aren’t employed by this Council. There is also opportunity in providing benefits to Council, potentially making us a more attractive employer in difficult job market and demonstrates to all employees connected to providing council services that they deserve at minimum, a fair wages & conditions.

"We are glad that Members of the Committee have agreed to explore this, and look forward to the next stages progressing, should it pass Council at the end of the month.”

ENDS