Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Head of Community Engagement (Wellbeing).

The Assistant Head Community Engagement (Wellbeing) provided a report to update members on the social contribution Salt Ayre Sports Centre offers to the Council and its partners.

The Panel was reminded that at its meeting on 23 October 2012, members had requested an additional report regarding Salt Ayre Sports Centre. It had been advised at the meeting that the report would have to be delivered in two parts. Members were presented with information regarding the social value of services provided by Salt Ayre, and the allocation of management and administration costs. Further information in relation to performance against regional and national benchmarking standards, and possible reduction against management and admin costs would be presented to the Panel on 5 March 2013.

The Assistant Head Community Engagement (Wellbeing) outlined a range of initiatives provided by Salt Ayre Sports Centre, these included:

·         Active Health Scheme: Tackling Obesity and Long Term Health Conditions

·         Fitness Classes

·         Sport Participation for Children and Young People

·         Council Swimming Lessons

·         Holiday Activities

·         Gymnastics

·         Diversionary Activities

·         Older Person’s Sport

·         Club Sport

·         Disability Cycling

·         Disability Adult Multi Skills Club

The Panel was advised of the provision and value of each of these initiatives, and members asked extensive questions.

Members also asked questions regarding healthy eating options available at the café. Queries were also raised with regard to benchmarking with other comparable local authorities and the private sector.

The Panel discussed the GP’s Commissioning Scheme. It was noted that the existing arrangements were due to finish at the end of March 2013. The Assistant Head Community Engagement (Wellbeing) advised that discussions were ongoing between the Council and Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust regarding the future of the initiative. It was noted that from April 2013 the functions of the PCT would be undertaken by the Clinical Commissioning Group from April 2013.

The group queried how Salt Ayre Sports Centre was marketed to the public. It was reported that marketing of the centre was delivered in partnership with the Community Engagement Service. It was advised that further information regarding the marketing and advertising of Salt Ayre Sports Centre would be required in the report scheduled to be considered by the Panel on 5 March 2013. Some discussion took place over the benefits of utilising local radio and members were keen to determine if the marketing was having a positive effect on footfall, and as such providing value for money. It was advised that this could be investigated further and information be provided to the Panel.

The panel discussed the 2013 Youth Games which were due to be held in the district. The Assistant Head Community Engagement (Wellbeing) advised that it may be possible to secure funding from the European Union to contribute towards the cost of holding the event.

The Financial Services Manager presented the Panel with information regarding the calculation of overheads and the allocation of management and administration costs. The main basis of allocation was pro rate to the square meters for each activity area, with more specific allocations applied to repair and maintenance and energy costs. Each of the main allocations was explained in more detail.

The Panel discussed the main allocations in detail, it was noted that the largest allocations were the swimming pool, the main hall, the café, and Heatwaves.

Resolved:

(1)        That the report be noted.

(2)        That information regarding the marketing and advertising of Salt Ayre Sports Centre be included in the report scheduled to be considered by the Panel on 5 March 2013.