Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships) meetings held on 7th July 2022 and 8th September 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7th July 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Minute 22/11 was corrected to read Her Majesty the Queen, after which the Minutes of the meeting held on 8th September 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

No declarations were received.

A copy of the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions is attached. Members are invited to note the Plan and to comment as appropriate on any items contained therein.

The Panel received and noted the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions (a copy of which has been appended in the Minute Book) which has been prepared by the Executive Leader for the period 1st November 2022 to 28th February 2023.

The Panel is to comment on the One Leisure Pricing Proposal 2023-2024 Report.

By means of a report by the Interim Head of Leisure (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the One Leisure Pricing Proposal 2023-24 was presented to the Panel.

The Panel heard from Councillor Welton, who stated that he broadly agreed with the proposed option 2 price increase, remaining mindful that One Leisure needed to remain sustainable whilst staying within financial reach of residents. Councillor Welton continued that he was sure all would agree the importance and connection between physical and mental wellbeing especially after the testing nature of the previous few years. Reassurance was sought that the attendance, customer retention and new membership would be monitored  across One Leisure sites and reported back on a quarterly basis, the Panel heard that this is already covered in the quarterly reports which are seen at the Overview and Scrutiny Performance and Growth Panel. In response to a further question asking if there would be scope for centres to negotiate with local groups to secure regular bookings ensuring long term use of the facilities, the Panel were further advised that following new appointments within One Leisure, links would be established with local fitness groups to ensure that fitness remains accessible with the importance of fitness to improve mental wellbeing being noted.

Councillor Bywater stated that he felt it was important to note that in order to make leisure affordable and achievable to residents of the district, the previous administration had made no increase to pricing over the previous 4 years. This was noted to be especially important to those who were in financial difficulty and there were fears that increasing prices would potentially make leisure unaffordable for some with concerns that residents would be forced to choose between heating and food, therefore it was felt to be wrong to assume that households would have spare income to take up physical activities such as weightlifting. Further concern was expressed that the proposed model relied on consistent footfall maintained at current rates, which may not be the case if prices were to be increased and may in fact have a detrimental effect on the services and facilities provided. Councillor Bywater questioned the Portfolio holder to clarify what had been done to increase footfall and customer retention in relation to this paper. Councillor Bywater further questioned the figures shown in the Appendix to the report and requested more clarity on the comparison between the current income versus potential income. In response to both questions, the Panel heard that detailed work had been undertaken to ensure the needs of residents and accessibility were taken into account alongside benchmarking and competitor analysis.

Councillor Lowe enquired what work had been done by One Leisure on generating alternative revenue streams through use of the pools by other providers such as aqua clubs or physiotherapy services, the Panel heard that this was something which would be picked up under the One Leisure Active Lifestyles umbrella as well as continuing to work with local fitness groups to maximise  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To receive an update on the development of the Warm Spaces Project.

By Means of a report by the Corporate Director - People (a copy of which was appended in the  Minute Book), the Panel heard about the Warm Spaces initiative.

The Panel heard that although the majority of locations so far were in bigger towns and villages, all facilities identifying as warm spaces could apply for funding from the Community Chest Fund. As more groups are established, gaps will become identified and work can then be undertaken to help support groups in those areas.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Criswell, the Panel heard that there would be support to empower volunteers and to assist existing groups in supporting local residents. The Panel were further assured that support for dealing with those in immediate crisis would be paramount alongside helping residents establish long term solutions.

The Panel were advised that a map of warm hubs across the district would be provided in answer to a query from Councillor Alban. Following a further enquiry from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that the Community Chest grants were capped to ensure as many groups as possible could be supported across the district.

Councillor Lowe enquired how those in need would be encouraged to attend the spaces and observed that there may be some social stigma attached to the centres. The Panel were reassured that by working with volunteers in the local community some of the anticipated stigmas would be addressed. The Panel also heard that some of the warm spaces were adapted from existing social gatherings, such as coffee mornings, which would help encourage vulnerable residents to attend. Volunteers within the spaces would be trained and supported to help assist residents with unlocking long term support such as unclaimed benefits.

Following support for the scheme from Councillor Bywater, it was then enquired what barriers to employment were currently impacting residents. The Panel were assured that by working with Partner organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, the Council would assist residents into employment by clarifying support available to aid the transition into employment and alleviate concerns around the differences from any benefits and support currently received.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Shaw, that by working closely with the County Council and other partnership organisations across the district, the Council would able to ensure that vulnerable residents were being supported. It was further elaborated that this partnership approach may involve signposting to hubs outside of the district area as they may be more accessible for those residents living on the fringes of the district.

Councillor McAdam observed that despite the unprecedented situation, partnerships with the volunteer sector would allow better communication with communities and enable barriers to be broken down with residents engaging with services. The Panel was assured that feedback would be obtained and fed back to establish progress and success of the project.

The Panel were further assured, following an enquiry by Councillor Welton, that the work being undertaken on the project was currently resourced and also utilised the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme is to be presented to the Panel.

With the aid of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (Scrutiny) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme was presented to the Panel.