Issue - meetings

The Board was reminded that a review of sports provision had been put forward by the Leader at the Chairmen’s quarterly meeting with him and the topic had been agreed by the Scrutiny Board for inclusion in its Work Programme 2010-2011. 

The Chairman reminded Members of the terms of reference for the investigation: “to consider the value for money of sports provision and explore any potential savings, alternative options and improvements”.

The Board considered a report from the Scrutiny Officer which compiled all of the key information provided by the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services.  Reference was made to the preliminary questions to the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services and his answers provided at Appendix 1 of the report. 

The Board considered the business aims and objectives for sports provision contained in the Service Business Plan 2009/2010 and the Sports & Active Recreation Strategy 2009 to 2012 and how these linked to the Council priority C03 (One Community).  The Board also considered the wider benefits of sport and physical activity for the health and well being of communities, which was evidenced in a series of policy papers by Sports England, “Shaping Places Through Sport” which showed the impact that sport played in the lives of individuals and the wider community.

The Board considered the organisational structure for Leisure and Cultural Services and Sports Development, which was delivered in partnership with external organisations such as Sports England and Wychavon Leisure and Community Services Ltd (the Dolphin Centre).  This included a Sports Development Manger post, two Sports Development Officer posts, Community Sports Coaches and a Walking Co-ordinator.  It was noted that this structure was subject to change depending upon the service review as part of the organisational transformation process. It was also noted that the Sports Development Manger post had been vacant for 12 months and funding for the Community Sports Coaches (funded by Sports England) and Walking Co-ordinator posts was due to expire in 2011.

The Board considered the headline performance of Leisure and Cultural Services and sports services based on usage.  Performance was reported as generally high.   Members also considered the budget for sports provision, including details of revenue and capital spend and noted that the future delivery of the service was dependent upon the budget review and the organisational transformation process, which would commence in December 2010.

The Head of Leisure and Cultural Services also advised Members that there was a need to develop the volunteering base in the community in the delivery of sports projects, in line with the Big Society agenda and to mitigate any funding gaps in the future. 

RESOLVED:

(a)               that in the view of the Board the delivery of sports provision in Bromsgrove represents good value for money and is a valued and important part of facilities for the community, contributing to both community well being, leisure and healthy living; and

(b)               it be noted that, in the current budget context, which will require substantial savings across  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33