Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – PLACE

This report seeks Cabinet’s approval to adopt the new Active North Herts Strategy.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That Cabinet approved and adopted the Active North Herts Strategy attached as Appendix 1.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(2)   That Cabinet recommended to Council that a budget of £50k be approved from 2025/26 onwards, to enable the delivery of a new Active Communities programme run by the leisure operator.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council and its stakeholder partners have a clear policy position on its approach to the future delivery of sport, leisure, physical activity and wellbeing services across the district.

Audio recording – 1:12:47

N.B. Councillor Dave Winstanley left the Chamber at 20:43 and did not return.

Councillor Steve Jarvis presented the report entitled ‘Active North Herts Strategy’ and advised:

·         The report covered the strategy of Activity and Leisure Provisions in North Hertfordshire.

·         The Council would continue to provide facilities across the district to keep residents active and to increase the levels of those who are inactive.

·         While North Hertfordshire did not have a significant deficiency in the activity of its residents, some groups were less active than others.

·         The strategy would make better use of greenspace, and the Council would work more closely with partners across the voluntary sector, sports clubs and other providers to increase local opportunities.

·         Some residents did not have facilities that were easily accessible for them, and the scope for more outreach activities would encourage participation.

·         Provisions needed to be made to enable the delivery of an Active Communities Officer after 2025 in the new Leisure Contract. This position was currently funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed and Councillor Alistair Willoughby seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)  That Cabinet approved and adopted the Active North Herts Strategy attached as Appendix 1.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(2)  That Cabinet recommended to Council that a budget of £50k be approved from 2025/26 onwards, to enable the delivery of a new Active Communities programme run by the leisure operator.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council and its stakeholder partners have a clear policy position on its approach to the future delivery of sport, leisure, physical activity and wellbeing services across the district.