Why are certain services at risk?

Because the government has capped the amount by which Local Authorities can raise Council Tax each year, NDDC is no longer able to deliver a full range of discretionary services in addition to statutory requirements.

Statutory services are those the District Council is legally bound to deliver, such as Refuse Collection, Benefits and a Planning Service.

Discretionary services are those the Council chooses to deliver where there is a local benefit or need, such as Leisure Centres, Public Conveniences and Tourism.

The Leisure Centre is not the only facility or service at risk in the Gillingham area.