A DECISION on whether to make Ilkley's outdoor education centre totally independent from Bradford Council will be made this summer.

Nell Bank in Ilkley is one of three Council owned and operated centres used by Bradford schools for day trips and residentials. The others are Ingleborough Hall in Clapham and Buckden House in Upper Wharfedale

In recent years there have been moves towards having the three centres run by independent trusts, and become self funding.

The Council’s Audit and Governance Committee was told at a meeting this week senior councillors are deciding in June whether the centres will become fully independent, and if they do, what form their management will take.

The target date for the trusts being fully established is September, and for the centres becoming fully independent to be December 2018.

The three centres have recently undergone major refurbishments to increase visitor numbers so they can eventually operate without council support.

A report presented to the committee said the centres will likely be breaking even by the end of March.

It adds: “There are a number of options being considered for the future governance and management arrangements from three separate organisations, two separate organisations, or a single organisation.

“In the event that a trust model is selected as the future option, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation will need to be established.

Judith Kirk, Deputy Director, Education, Employment and Skills at the council, said: “Outdoor centres provide children in our district with a valuable learning experience.

“The Council and the district’s schools have faced a difficult challenge in turning our outdoor centres around to make them fit for purpose and sustainable in the long-term. The investment the School’s Forum and the Council have made has meant that facilities at the centres have greatly improved.

“We are currently working with the centres, trustees and stakeholders to explore a number of options for the best way to manage the centres in the future so that young people continue to receive a great experience. We will be announcing these in June.”

The scrutiny committee met in City Hall at 11am on Tuesday.