The Impact of Compulsory Competitive Tendering on Planning in Leisure Departments

Abstract

In the UK compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) for the management of local authority leisure services was implemented in 1992. The rationale underlying the introduction of CCT was that the creation of a market for the provision of services would result in economies as a consequence of competition. The impact of compulsory competitive tendering on planning in leisure services is analysed through interviews with 12 local government client officers. This qualitative research complements quantitative survey results already available. It shows why the first round of CCT was characterized by poor planning, why social objectives of leisure provision were inadequately incorporated into contracts and why it will be difficult to solve this problem in the future. It illustrates how the political context of local authorities limits the applicability of planning models from the private sector and shows how improved information systems as a consequence of CCT could improve planning in the second round of contracting.