In another “behind closed doors” decision, the Council has decided to transfer all aspects of the design, building, management and maintenance of the new Community Stadium (Monks Cross) to a private contractor.

It is unclear who will undertake this contract although, in the past, the operators of the existing facility have expressed an interest in managing any new stadium.

The Council has now said that “a number of options have been considered and the preferred procurement option of Design Build Operate and Maintain (DBOM) provides the best opportunities for; (i) cost effective delivery of the overall project, (ii) achieving effective risk transfer and (iii) maximising commercial innovation”.

No consultation on the proposal took place before the meeting and it remains very unclear whether lumping all aspects of the community stadium project into one contract will optimise value for money for taxpayers.

This is now a big issue as Labour plan to contribute an additional £4 million of taxpayers money into the project – in addition to the value of the site. The latest decision could mean that there will be a reduced chance of that funding being recovered from rental income as was the original intention.

The Council will have to write up a very detailed – and financially watertight – tender specification before procurement starts. Taxpayers will expect this documentation to be published before the project goes to tender.

There is also mystery surrounding the Councils intentions for the management of its other leisure facilities such as the Yearsley Swimming pool and the “Energise” sports centre on Cornlands Road.

Labour have threatened to outsource the management of these facilities in one large contract in the past but now seem reluctant to confirm what they expect to happen and when.