Issue - meetings

To receive a report presenting an update on all of the recommendations illustrated in the Independent Review and to close out that particular action from the original report dated 19 March 2024.

Executive Councillor: S Howell

The Cabinet

(a)  noted the progress of actions identified within the report over the last 12 months;

(b)  commented on the progress that has been made on the 22 actions identified within the Year 1 – Transformation Progress Report of Actions & Recommendations from the Long-Term Operating Model for One Leisure undertaken by First Point Management; and

(c)  acknowledged and accepted the key actions from the associated summary presentation and outlined within Section 4 of the report.

A report by the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which provided an update on the progress One Leisure and the Council had made following the recommendations made and set out within the Independent Review of the One Leisure Long Term Operating Model. It also provided an opportunity to review, consider and respond to the progress One Leisure had made since the Independent Review of One Leisure was commissioned in late 2023. Furthermore, it closed out an action from (section 6.5 – point 5) from the original Independent Review of the Long-Term Operating Model for One Leisure which stated: “A further commitment that One Leisure will return to Members and update on actions against all the recommendations made by the independent consultant”.

At the start of this item, the Executive Councillor – Governance and Democratic Services declared an interested by virtue of being Vice-Chair of Huntingdon & District Cricket Club which might be impacted by the Huntingdon Sport & Health Club. As this was a voluntary role, it was not a pecuniary interest and she partook in the discussion and deliberation of this item.

The Leader – Councillor Conboy set out the report, noting the comments from the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth). She thanked all staff involved who worked tirelessly in accomplishing the achievements in the report.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet

(a)  noted the progress of actions identified within the report over the last 12 months;

(b)  commented on the progress that has been made on the 22 actions identified within the Year 1 – Transformation Progress Report of Actions & Recommendations from the Long-Term Operating Model for One Leisure undertaken by First Point Management; and

(c)  acknowledged and accepted the key actions from the associated summary presentation and outlined within Section 4 of the report.

The Panel is invited to receive a presentation and comment on the One Leisure Independent Review Update Report.

Executive Councillor: S Howell

By means of a report and presentation by the Head of Leisure (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), the One Leisure Independent Review Update was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Shaw complemented the team on the report and noted that he particularly enjoyed reading the conclusion of the report.

Councillor Bywater echoed this and also noted that the Sawtry swimming pool project was very much appreciated by himself and the Sawtry community. He further questioned the timelines and planning to move the leisure centres towards the Local Government Review (LGR). Following which, the Panel heard that an independent review would be undertaken to establish market position and what could be controlled within the Council’s assets. The Panel were assured that the Council were mindful of the progress and successes of One Leisure and would endeavour to protect this during and following the move into LGR.

The Panel heard that 60% of One Leisure’s revenue was generated through Health and Fitness, 20% through swimming lessons and 10% through casual swimming. These activities make up the bulk of focus of One Leisure. The Panel also heard that conversations and opportunities were being developed with the Football Foundation on collaborative opportunities in line with the Council’s playing pitch strategy. It was noted that the popularity of sports at centres was continually monitored and considered in line with centre development opportunities.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.