Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being).

Agreed to investigate the co-ordination of insurance for Parishes wishing to insure their facilities under a group scheme and the feasibility and cost of providing ROSPA inspections for all outdoor facilities in Town and Parish Councils.

A report by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) was submitted which summarised the findings of a study by the Panel regarding the availability of play facilities in Huntingdonshire and the ongoing revenue costs associated with such facilities.

The Cabinet were advised that the Panel had decided to focus primarily on the provision of facilities for teenagers as this had been identified in the 2008 Place Survey as the highest priority area in need of improvement in Huntingdonshire. Members have been informed of the key findings of the Panel regarding maintenance, insurance and the inspection of facilities for maintenance and safety purposes. In considering the Panel’s recommendations, Executive Councillors concurred that further research into the availability of group insurance schemes with the aim of achieving a lower insurance premium and the feasibility of combining safety inspections should be undertaken. However, in discussing the suggestions on the future revenue funding of play equipment, the Cabinet were of the opinion that the provision and management of local play facilities should be undertaken at a local level by local parish councils and community organisations and that the District Council’s role should be confined to strategic, District wide initiatives and in advising on opportunities for funding.

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the availability of group insurance schemes for Parishes for play and other facilities be investigated;

(b)  that the feasibility of co-ordinating safety inspections for outdoor facilities be investigated; and

(c)  that no action be taken in respect of the proposal formula for maintenance of play equipment.