Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The Leader and Chairman advised that the proceedings were being audio recorded and live streamed by the Council.

The minutes from the meeting held on 21 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

AGREED that the performance of Active4Today 2022/23 is noted.

The Managing Director - Active4Today and the Health Improvement & Community Relations Manager were in attendance to present the Active4Today Outturn report for 2022-23. The report included the enhanced reporting framework agreed by the Committee in December 2022 and in addition a number of appendices were attached to the report for Members.

It was reported that performance by the Company was positive. During 2022-23, A4T has delivered a strong performance in terms of increasing membership, from 10,680 to 11,760 representing a 10.1% increase, and increased user visits. The temporary closure of Southwell Leisure Centre for essential maintenance to be undertaken had impacted negatively on revenue. The Company’s financial position had been supported by the review of the pension scheme. As a result, the Company would make a significant saving for the next 3-year period, which had moved the 2023-2024 forecast from a £682,295 deficit to a £480,545 forecasted deficit, a reduction of £201,750. 

The Cabinet welcomed the report, noting the positive increase in membership and strong financial position.

AGREED      (unanimously) that the performance of Active4Today 2022/23 is noted.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the shareholder has assurance and oversight of the company’s performance ensuring that the company continues to deliver the outcomes required by the Council as aligned to the Councils Community Plan.

Options considered:

Not applicable.

AGREED that Members note the Arkwood Performance Report (attached as the Appendix) and consider the company’s performance against its targets and objectives highlighting any areas of high performance and identifying areas for improvement.

The Managing Director - Arkwood Developments Limited, and the Non Executive Director and Chairman – Arkwood Developments Limited were in attendance to present the performance report for quarter 4 2023. Following the liquidation of Robert Woodhead Construction in September 2022, Arkwood had worked to negotiate a new contractor solution, Oakworth Construction, who recommenced all works by late November 2023. This had lead to a revised programme for completion and revised sum completions which had increased the original build cost significantly. Despite the increased costs, Arkwood were still anticipating a gross profit from the scheme well in excess of £2m and significantly above the original viability forecast profit of circa £1.96m. It was also reported that the legal arrangements, funding agreement and agreement to lease, for the purchase on practical completion of the apartments at the former Marks and Spencer premise on Stodman Street, a strategic town centre development site for the council, were close to completion.

In response to a query from a Member of the Committee, the Managing Director gave details of the green credentials and sustainable technology and methods to be considered in future across Arkwood’s development sites, including timber frames, bat boxes, solar panels and open drainage with planting. Arkwood Developments were committed incorporating green elements into their developments where possible. A similar approach was taken in relation to the security of sites and properties which included fitting alarms, security lighting, sturdy fencing and secure by design entry.

The Committee welcomed the report and looked forward to the opportunity to visit some of the Arkwood Development sites in the near future.

AGREED      (unanimously) that Members note the Arkwood Performance Report (attached as the Appendix) and consider the company’s performance against its targets and objectives highlighting any areas of high performance and identifying areas for improvement.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure appropriate review of the Performance of the Councils wholly owned Housing Development Company, Arkwood.

Options considered:

Not applicable.