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Wight Leisure Enquiry

The Isle of Wight Council has today published a report setting out a number of recommendations arising from an internal enquiry into the halting of the planned externalisation of Wight Leisure, in June 2003. The report, while finding there were a number of corporate failings, concludes that there was no unlawful expenditure, nor any evidence of impropriety.

Chief Executive Officer Mike Fisher made the following statement: “The mistakes made by the Council originate from significant changes in the last few years in the way in which the Council was both managed and organised. Although a lot of people worked very hard to try and deliver the long-held objective of the Council to externalise Wight Leisure, it is clear that overall the Council lacked the capacity and experience to handle the externalisation at a time when there were so many competing priorities.

“While it is clear from the report that there is no evidence of unlawful expenditure or impropriety by any individuals, the conclusions within the report are very disappointing and the Council has to learn how to handle major projects like this in a better way.

“The report deliberately does not deal with the capability or conduct of individuals, which will be dealt with through appropriate management action. In accordance with the Council’s procedures, that process will be dealt with confidentially so as to ensure any such action is handled fairly and properly.”

The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Shirley Smart said: "The publication of the report demonstrates that this Council is committed to open and public scrutiny of its actions when, as occasionally happens in such a large organisation, projects are not delivered as planned. While many of the report’s recommendations have already been addressed, there are clearly lessons to be learned about how to ensure such projects are delivered successfully in the future, and both elected members and council officers are committed to applying those lessons.”