Worcester City Council is the latest local authority to consider cost saving measures in sports and leisure by outsourcing management services.

At a budget meeting on 19 February councillors will vote on proposals to outsource management of the Nunnery Wood Sports Centre and St. Johns Sports Centre to leisure trusts.

Funding cuts from central government mean the council needs to save £686,000 in the 2013/14 financial year.

The council says the move could deliver non domestic rates savings, lower VAT charges and rates, and economies of scale for marketing, staff training, specialist equipment and services.

It would also see the centres run by a specialist operator, would safeguard the quality of service, transfer income risk and provide greater opportunities for employee development.

Leisure Connection already runs Perdiswell Leisure Centre and the Worcester Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre on behalf of the council.