Issue - meetings

The Panel is to receive a presentation regarding the Leisure and Health Performance Review for 2025-26.

Executive Councillor: Cllr J E Kerr

By means of a presentation by the Head of Leisure, Health and Environment (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Leisure and Health Performance Review was presented to the Panel.

In response to a question from the Panel, it was confirmed that future annual reports from the service would include future forecasts and KPIs. It was noted that the Active Lifestyles service was now in a commercially sustainable position and in a strong position to continue to deliver to residents. It was also noted that work continued at pace to assess leisure services and their development feasibility with the work at the One Leisure Huntingdon centre being highlighted. The Officers agreed to providing a quarterly briefing note on updates from the project as it progressed.

Services for older residents who lived independently rather than in a care facility were discussed and noted that further information could be provided if it were to be requested. It was noted that the Active Lifestyles team also provided services to some care home residents, which was noted to be arranged and funded by the care homes directly.

The Panel praised the work done by the Council to reinstate One Leisure Sawtry and it’s associated services to Sawtry residents. The Panel discussed the balance between financial sustainability of the Leisure service and providing long term accessibility and health benefits to residents.

It was observed that the Creche facilities previously provided by One Leisure prior to Covid had not be reinstated. Officers advised that whilst they were mindful of the benefits that this service brought to residents, they also had significant cost implications to consider, however work was underway to consider options on the matter and would be reported back in due course should it be feasible.

The Panel noted the collaborative work undertaken by the team with opportunities being implemented for the centres to be a base for Community Midwives. It was advised that further work would continue to develop further partnership opportunities including those with the County Council.

Officers undertook to provide the Panel with information on membership numbers comparing active and inactive members. It was confirmed that a dedicated call handling team was in operation for One Leisure allowing customers to speak to agents rather than solely using an online booking system.

It was advised that following a recruitment process, new Marketing staff had been employed by the service and that they would undertake work to implement a marketing plan creating awareness around health and fitness opportunities and services to residents, including the Courts4Kids service and teenage membership offerings.