Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – ENVIRONMENT

This report provides an update on the first year of the Leisure and Active Communities contract, which commenced on 1 April 2024.

RESOLVED: That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted and commented on the Leisure and Active Communities Contract performance for 2024/25.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee the opportunity to scrutinise year one of the Leisure and Active Communities contract.

Audio recording – 1 hour 4 minutes 1 second

Councillor Amy Allen, as Executive Member for Environment, presented the report entitled ‘Leisure and Active Communities Contract Year One Overview’ and advised that:

·             The first year of the Leisure and Active Communities contract with Everyone Active had been successfully delivered.

·             Initial challenges during mobilisation around booking systems and operational policies had been resolved as users had adapted to new procedures. 

·             Year one had seen substantial capital investment by both Everyone Active and the Council which included pool safety upgrades, gym refurbishments and facility improvements to ensure modern, customer-focused environments.

·             Performance monitoring from year one would service as a data baseline, as data recorded by the previous operator was not directly comparable.

·             Year two data would also be incomparable due to temporary closures resulting from decarbonisation works.

·             £460,632 had been delivered in social value which signified 13.31% of progress to date.

·             The Active Communities programme to promote physical activity inclusion and health improvements had been launched successfully.

·             The new agency agreement effective May 2025 was expected to improve the VAT position of the Council and deliver £270,000 of surplus with no visible impact on services for customers.

The Regional Contract Manager for Everyone Active provided Members with a visual presentation of the services delivered in year one of the contract, between April 2024 to March 2025.

The following Members asked questions:

·             Councillor Sadie Billing

·             Councillor Claire Winchester

·             Councillor Ralph Muncer

·             Councillor Jon Clayden

·             Councillor David Chalmers

·             Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

In response to questions, the Regional Contract Manager for Everyone Active advised that:

·             Membership discounts based on geographical proximity to centres was not currently being considered.

·             It would be impossible to offer free memberships to all those with disabilities, however, they would take comments on board about expanding their free membership scheme.

·             95% of their staff had worked for Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) previously, and anecdotal feedback from them indicated that facilities had been a lot busier than they had been under the previous contractor.

·             Everyone Active were transparent on their decision making and data collection.

·             Programmes were constantly reviewed to see what worked well.

·             Marketing for their active communities programmes was significant, however, it was acknowledged that the best marketing came from word of mouth and referrals from friends.

·             They were proactive when receiving customer complaints and engaged with the Council where necessary on these. 

·             Capacity of weekend sessions at North Herts Leisure Centre had been reduced due to limited access to changing facilities which had in turn helped to manage vehicle access while a portion of the car park had been closed for decarbonisation works.

·             It was difficult to signpost residents to alternative swimming pools during closures, however, they managed several sports halls and diverted residents to those in Baldock, Stevenage and Central Bedfordshire where possible.

·             Good communication had been maintained with regular hirers ahead of closures. 

·             Green travel plans were in place across all their sites.

In response to questions, the Director – Environment advised that:

·             It would only be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34