Agenda item

Report to Follow

The Committee considered the report presented by the Director of Customers and Managing Director – Active4Today, which presented the Active4Today Draft Business Plan 2019/20 and updated the Committee on the Company’s latest quarterly performance.

The Chairman asked whether the Newark & Sherwood Physical Activity and Sports Plan 2018 – 2021, which was considered as the following agenda item at the meeting, be incorporated into the Active4Today Business Plan.  The Managing Director -Active4Today confirmed that the content of the Newark & Sherwood Physical Activity and Sport Plan 2018 – 2021 would be assessed and looked at in terms of delivery; flexibility would be required due to the Active4Today Business Plan currently operating for a one year period only.

A Member made reference to the Newark Sports Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) and asked if there was an Ollerton Sports Forum in existence. The Managing Director – Active4Today confirmed that he would seek confirmation of this; however, he did understand one did exist. He confirmed that all Sports Forums were run by volunteers from clubs, with Active4Today providing only secretariat support to the meetings; the Managing Director confirmed he would clarify the position and feedback that information to Members of the Committee.

A Member sought clarification as to whether GP referrals were still undertaken.  It was confirmed that the referrals did take place, although not to the numbers previously seen; conversion rates were good as patients were being referred and were staying with the programme.  In the past there was a higher referral rate but a 80% drop off rate.  It was confirmed that banners were displayed in GP surgeries and a Leisure Officer periodically attended GP surgeries to promote the leisure services available.  People can however, now self-refer onto pay and play classes including seated exercise and stroke-ability; these classes are well attended, by approximately 150 people per week.  The Managing Director then informed the committee that he was going to look at another GP referral scheme over the next few weeks, which operated in another authority in partnership with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This scheme attracts funding of £750,000 per annum and is a preventative measure against bariatric surgery.  Feedback will be provided to the Committee regarding that work.

A Member sought clarification regarding Wellow House School, the continuing swimming programme and proposed dry side usage and asked whether the dry side usage would compromise the Dukeries leisure centre.  The Managing Director Active4Today confirmed that they were trying to broaden Active4Today’s remit to get people more active.  Discussions were taking place with the school Head regarding car parking at the school.  Options available were being pursued including the possibility of car parking at the front of the school.  Any changes made would be in conjunction with the Service Level Agreement.

A Member suggested an amendment for recommendation (a) which was subsequently agreed.

AGREED      (with 9 votes For and 2 Abstentions) that:

a)            the Committee considered the Active4Today Draft Business Plan 2019/20 and asked the company to work with Council Officers to align its targets with the priorities which are approved for the Newark & Sherwood Sport and Activity Plan 2018/21 and provide a report to the January meeting of the Committee;

b)            the Quarter 2 performance be noted;

c)             Active4Today provides the January committee meeting with its latest in-year financial position and full year forecast in     order that the Committee can form judgements on the appropriateness of the management fee payable in 2019/20; and

d)            the Committee approves the proposed reduction in the management fee payable to Southwell Leisure Centre Trust by £15,000 from 2019/20 and the remaining 50% of the management fee for Southwell being held in abeyance this year is paid.