Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR - PLACE

To provide a general update on the recovery of our major leisure facilities from COVID-19.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the recovery progress of our leisure facilities across the district.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council continues to deliver leisure services that support the health and wellbeing of our residents throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Executive Member for Environment and Leisure presented the report entitled Leisure Covid Recovery Update and noted:

·         Recover Plan had been pursued throughout the year and the report detailed what had been achieved within the plan.

·         There had been an increase in use of leisure centres and swimming lessons had seen an increase on pre-pandemic levels.

·         Outdoor pools in the district had performed better than expected.

·         It was expected that leisure centres would require less support given the recovery which had taken place, but this may change with the emergence of the new Omicron variance.

·         There had been no abnormal drop off in usage so far, December is usually a quiet month, with January becoming a busier month for fitness activities, so attendance levels in January would give a good indication of recovery and the impact Omicron was having on leisure.

Councillor Ian Albert noted that it was good to see the reports of the recovery taking place at leisure centres and the increased numbers attending swimming lessons. This highlighted the importance of the partnership working with Stevenage Leisure and proved opposition comments wrong when this proposal was made.

The following Member asked a question:

·         Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

In response to the question, the Service Director – Resources advised that it was not yet know what level of support would be given to leisure facilities following the Chancellors announcement of £1billion in funding support. He would report back to Members on this as soon as it became clearer.

Councillor Ian Albert advised that given Stevenage Leisure had previously been supported financially by grants from government, it would be assumed they would receive some support this time, but this would need to be clarified as details became available.

Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the recovery progress of our leisure facilities across the district.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council continues to deliver leisure services that support the health and wellbeing of our residents throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.