Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) meeting held on 5th January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th January 2023 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 February 2023 to 31st May 2023.

The Business Rates Discretionary Rate Relief Policy is to be presented to the Panel.

By means of a report by the Council Tax and Business Rates Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Business Rates Discretionary Rate Relief Policy was presented to the Panel.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Alban on whether available support

differed for rural or urban communities, the Panel heard that a wide range of support was available for businesses and would be applied appropriately.

It was clarified to the Panel after questions from Councillors Alban and

McAdam, that charity shops receive mandatory relief and therefore the scheme does not apply to them. It was further clarified that there are notable differences between the help available for nationally recognised charities and non-profit organisations however work is done with such groups to ensure the correct support is given.

Following questions from Councillor Shaw, the Panel were assured that whilst the departments aim was to be cost neutral, the team undertake extensive modelling to ensure that there are clear guidelines in order to support local communities. The strategy gives structure to the package of support already available for businesses.

The Panel were advised that only standalone public conveniences could be considered for support in response to a question from Councillor Shaw.

Following the discussion, it was thereupon

RESOLVED

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

To receive a presentation on the progress of One Leisure and Burgess Hall.

By means of a report and presentation by the Interim Head of Leisure (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) the One Leisure and Burgess Hall Progress Review was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Burke, the Panel heard that the One Leisure Active Lifestyles team work closely with Health colleagues to redefine what good health looks like. This includes preventative work, rehabilitation classes and working with partners such as social prescribers. The Panel heard that relationships with health colleagues have developed over time and continue to do so to the benefit of residents. Councillor Burke praised the fantastic work undertaken by the service and noted that this highlighted the importance of partnership working.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Welton, that One Leisure Active Lifestyles classes covered a range of rehabilitation and maintenance classes, which were at a lower price point than regular fitness classes, it was noted that participants have the option to purchase a class pass at a discounted rate and that concessionary rates were also available. It was also noted that some cancer rehab classes were funded by the Hunts Network for the benefit of patients.

Councillor Alban observed the importance and success of Park Runs across the district and queried the status of the athletics track at the One Leisure Outdoor Centre. The Panel heard that this facility is part of the Playing Pitch Strategy and is accredited by UK Athletics.  

It was observed that due to an ageing population within the district, community based activities were thriving.

The Panel were advised that whilst an uptake in memberships is generally expected in January, the figures for this year had been better than anticipated. It was noted that One Leisure offers great value with the Platinum membership including gym, swimming, indoor cycling, fitness classes and off peak courts.

Councillor Shaw enquired how many users paid for sessions on a casual basis and the Panel were advised that this remained static alongside annual memberships. It was further advised that casual customers may benefit from a direct debit membership and that the team regularly undertook work to review this directly with customers.

Councillor Alban observed that some nationwide gym chains had moved into empty retail spaces both within and on the borders of the district and enquired how the team would react to this. The Panel heard that One Leisure have a wider offer than many national gym chains and also a large offer for families, however competitors would continue to be monitored for the benefit of future planning. It was further observed that One Leisure site locations offered the service security and afforded long term planning.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Hunt, that many links were established with young people including pre-schoolers and children with special educational needs as well as a programme working with home schooled children.

Councillor Harvey enquired how the underperformance of group exercise classes was being address, following which, the Panel heard that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

a)  The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme

b)  Members to discuss future planning of items for the Work Programme

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.

The Panel were advised that the Climate Working Group would be assisting in the development of the Electrical Vehicle Strategy.