Issue - meetings

Wellbeing Portfolio

To consider report HPS/27 of the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 28 June 2021.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet approves the extension of the contract variation with Everyone Active under the terms set out in section 5.8 of report HPS/27.

Reasons for the Recommendations

The recommendation facilitates the continued re-opening of the leisure centres from 1^st July  2021 in accordance with the Government announcement on 22 February 2021 and in accordance with Procurement Policy Note 02/20 (Supplier Relief Due to Coronavirus).

The Cabinet Member for Wellbeing presented report HPS/27 of the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services.  The report set out the arrangements the Council had entered into with Everyone Active (EA) following the initial lockdown in March 2020 and recommended that the Cabinet extends the variation order to facilitate the continued opening of the leisure centres over the period 1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021.

Councillor T Belben presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 28 June 2021, which included:

·         Recognition that due to the pandemic income had decreased.  With social distancing and public health requirements remaining in place, it was noted that K2 Crawley would operate a phased opening.

·         Confirmation provided that the proposed extension was for a 3 month period and it was hoped that should the contract variation be extended for this time period it would assist in this phased approach.

·         Recognition that Everyone Active would be keen to build on capacity moving forward and that events were scheduled, increasing the income stream.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet approves the extension of the contract variation with Everyone Active under the terms set out in section 5.8 of report HPS/27.

Reasons for the Recommendations

The recommendation facilitates the continued re-opening of the leisure centres from 1^st July 2021 in accordance with the Government announcement on 22 February 2021 and in accordance with Procurement Policy Note 02/20 (Supplier Relief Due to Coronavirus).

To consider report HPS/27 of the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services.

The Commission considered report HPS/27 of the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services.  The report set out the arrangements the Council had entered into with Everyone Active (EA) following the initial lockdown in March 2020 and recommended the Council extend the variation order to facilitate the continued opening of the leisure centres over the period 1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021.

During the discussion with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services, the following comments were made:

·        Recognition that due to the pandemic income had decreased. With social distancing and public health requirements remaining in place, it was noted that K2 Crawley would operate a phased opening.

·        Confirmation provided that the proposed extension was for a 3 month period and it was hoped that should the contract variation be extended for this time period it would assist in this phased approach.

·        Acknowledgement that marketing opportunities were currently being investigated in order to promote the centre.  However it was remarked that the concern was not around publicity and awareness but the restrictions applied to capacity.

·        Recognition that Everyone Active would be keen to build on capacity moving forward and events were scheduled increasing the income stream.

·        Confirmation that risk assessments were undertaken for individual sports and activities and it was anticipated these would continue throughout the phased opening to normal operation. 

·        Clarification was provided on the current operating performance.  There was support for the detailed officer engagement with Everyone Active.

RESOLVED

That the Commission notes the report and requests that the views expressed during the debate, are fed back to the Cabinet through the Commission’s Comment sheet.