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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: