Agenda item
To consider
the report of the Byw’n Iach
Senior Manager
Minutes:
A full report was submitted by the Economy and Community
Senior Manager, responding
to all of the questions from
the Scrutiny Committee's Preparatory Meeting for the Healthy Communities Service's response to the report of the Auditor General for Wales 'Delivering with less - Leisure Services' as well as the progress the service is making in achieving
the efficiency savings target as set by
the Council's Financial Strategy
2015 - 2018.
The
Cabinet Member highlighted that the efficiency savings target was a substantial one and the Department was praised for implementing
and meeting the target.
In response to a question
regarding offering free services to underprivileged families, it was noted that
leisure centres did not
offer a reduction based on income, but
a cheaper package on quiet times
- the service would not assess income levels
on the basis of use. It was suggested
that there would be a possibility to look into this.
In response to a question
regarding the Free Swimming sessions, it was reported that it was the Council's decision not to allow parents to go into the pool for
free and that the Free Swimming
in Gwynedd received a substantial grant reduction.
In response to a comment
that Gwynedd did not appear
to give equal opportunity for children to play, it was noted that
every child in Gwynedd received free membership at the Leisure Centres.
The
Service was thanked for the
encouraging report and the service was congratulated for its overhaul of the situation. However, should there be a need to increase fees to above inflation
level, a comment was made regarding the need to be careful not to 'send people away'.
In response to a question
regarding sharing good practice, it was highlighted that this was done
mostly through area management structure (where one manger is responsible
for multiple centres) and staff being part of team
across the Service. Nevertheless,
it was emphasised that the target was not reached and therefore
a reference was made to the
need to provide alternative schemes in order to ensure
the provision of a sustainable
service for the future.
During the ensuing
discussion, the following observations were highlighted:
·
Other options to alleviate losses must be considered - a suggestion that further research work was needed before taking action
·
Need
to see better use of resources
·
Need to attract more people through the door
·
There was a possibility
of needing to consider the leisure centres as a business rather than a service
·
The Leisure Centres were vital for
Health and Well-being
·
Additional activities had to be considered
In response to a question
regarding when the Service would likely submit
information on the new models, it
was suggested that there would be an opportunity for the Committee to scrutinise the proposals fully in September.
RESOLVED to accept
the report, giving thanks to the Service for its work and
noting that the members would welcome
information on alternative models in September 2017.
Supporting documents: