Kirklees councillors have backed funding for the John Smith’s Stadium – but won’t reveal how much or what it’s for.
The council, as a 40% shareholder in Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), is liable for contributions along with the other shareholders.
Yesterday the ruling Cabinet were asked to “support capital expenditure to be incurred by Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL)”.
It was passed by senior councillors in a private part of the meeting.
Kirklees says the reason KSDL financial matters are heard and discussed behind closed doors is because it relates to a private company rather than a public body.
In 2013 £160,000 was handed over – some of it for new carpets and furniture and some towards maintenance.
In the same year the council changed how it was making its contributions to the stadium with the former council leader Mehboob Khan explaining that instead of revenue contributions it will instead fund capital projects.
In January this year another item relating to funding for KSDL was also heard in private.
Again, the only detail published was that Cabinet agreed to commit £500,000 to KSDL.
But the Examiner learned they used the money to upgrade fitness facilities in light of new nearby competitors in the private sector.
Two other private items were discussed by Cabinet yesterday.
One related to plans for ‘council tax, business rate and sundry debt collection by direct debit, web and app’.
The other related to the disposal of the former Nursery Site, Healey Lane, in Batley.
