Agenda and minutes

In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, Councillors of the Council are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate.

Councillors must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any items under consideration.

The following disclosures were made:

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 23 September 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of the Commission held on 23 September 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

To answer any questions or hear brief statements from the public which are relevant to the items on this agenda.  The period will end after 15 minutes or later at the Chair’s discretion.

No questions from the public were asked.

To receive a presentation and update on the management contract and performance from CBC Officers and Everyone Active (Sport and Leisure Management Ltd), followed by questions and answers

Due to the nature of the discussions within the above item, should Councillors wish to scrutinise financial issues or aspects of any contractual arrangements in specific detail, the meeting may need to move to Part B (Exempt item) as this may be viewed as financially/commercially sensitive.

Members received a presentation from representatives from Everyone Active (Sport and Leisure Management Ltd), the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services, Partnership Services Manager, Senior Leisure Officer together with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing on the leisure management contract together with the performance and changes that Everyone Active had focused on recently, which included:

·        A brief background to the contract.  The key elements had been aiming to provide high quality services, stronger links with schools, raising the profile of the town through sport and reduce the subsidy to the council. 

·        The current operators and CBC shared a vision and there was an opportunity to work in partnership.  It was highlighted that that there remained a strong focus on health and wellbeing, sports development and customer service, whilst re-investing in the facility.

·        During the transition period regular support was provided through a ‘buddy system’ to ensure ongoing assistance and collaboration.

·        Since managing K2 Crawley the main outcomes had been increases in attendance, particularly in junior activities, participation in over 50s activity, disability sport and the talented athlete programme.  

·        Partnership work with Crawley Wellbeing had continued and there had been further development with vulnerable groups.

·        Further investment had occurred including work on signage/branding, specialist equipment, sports hall inflatables and virtual group exercise.

·        K2 Crawley hosts many local, regional, national and international events, and whilst acknowledging the impact some of the events had on the local community, work also continued with partners and businesses to both minimise impact and maximise success. 

·        K2 Crawley was generally a very efficient building however further measures have been taken to reduce the carbon footprint and work was continuing ongoing.

The Commission were then treated to presentations from Katie–George Dunlevy (Paralympian Gold Medallist and World Tandem Cyclist) and Gary Lee (Crawley Town Lifesaving Club - World Class Status).  Dunlevy, a multiple World medallist and double World Champion commented on the importance of sport as it aided not only physical activity but also mental wellbeing and confidence.  Gary Lee continued by informing Members that Crawley Town Lifesaving Club was seen as a regional centre.  Its aim was to turn normal members of the public into qualified lifesavers and to teach people vital skills that saves lives. Members had competed at many championships across various counties winning multiple European and World titles.  Both endorsed the facilities at K2 Crawley which fully supported individuals in their training, allowing them to compete in their fields locally, regionally and nationally.

OSC Members held a question and answer session with the representatives from Everyone Active and Officers from the Council. The issues raised and the key responses included:

·        Car parking during events and the impact on regular users.  It was confirmed that due diligence was undertaken and there was always a balance to be struck when events took place.  It was acknowledged that parking was a challenge, particularly on event days, however a banding system was in operation together with the use of overflow car parking which had proven successful. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Councillor Mullins has been invited to attend the Commission for a general discussion on the Wellbeing Portfolio and his duties.  A copy of the Cabinet Member’s responsibilities, as set out in the Council’s Constitution is attached.

The Commission noted the update given by Councillor Mullins and questioned him on a variety of issues relating to his portfolio.

The following topics were discussed: 

·        The nature of the portfolio, including the variety of the role.

·        It was acknowledged that the management of the K2 Crawley site took skilful organisation.  It was recognised that success can generate issues such as parking but it was how these problems were resolved that was testament to the operators and the partnership working.

·        The health and wellbeing programme had been successful locally through the work of the Wellbeing Team.  It was noted that strategically work was scheduled with a bespoke plan tailored to Crawley demographics.

·        The play areas refurbishment programme was discussed. It was recognised that these were prioritised in terms of need but safety was a priority. In terms of adventure playgrounds, consultation was due to commence on Waterlea shortly.

·        The town’s community centres were discussed as it was recognised that the majority of these were popular and regularly used throughout the town.

·        In terms of Crawley Museum it was suggested that some of the exhibitions could be adapted into the schools’ curriculums and feature school visits to assist in increasing attendance.  The facility was deemed to be an important facility documenting the history of the town.

RESOLVED

            That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission thanked Councillor Mullins for attending and for the informative discussion that had ensued.

To receive a brief update on the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee (HASC).  The last meeting was 26 September.

An update was provided from the most recent HASC meeting.  Key items of discussion included:

·            The take up of the measles vaccination had been low in certain areas. However, the measles immunisation strategy would help parents understand the importance of their children receiving the MMR vaccination.

·            There had been a delay in the flu vaccinations.

·            The West Sussex Suicide Prevention Strategy 2017-20 was discussed and it was highlighted that overall the number of suicides in West Sussex was reducing. There had been successful work with reducing self-harm.

To consider any requests for future items. Those highlighted items have been referred to the Commission.

The Commission confirmed the following reports:

25 November 2019

All the reports listed below with the exception of Three Bridges Improvement Scheme Final Design and Waste and Recycling Contract are Policy Framework Documents.

·         Budget Strategy 2020/21 – 2024/25

·         Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2019/2020

·         Crawley 2035: Crawley Borough Local Plan 2020-2035

·         Review of Statement of Licensing Policy Gambling Act 2005 (2020-2022)

·         Homelessness Strategy 2019 - 2024

·         Tenancy Strategy 2019

·         Three Bridges Improvement Scheme Final Design

·         Waste and Recycling Contract (provisional referral)

3 February 2020

·         2020/2021 Budget and Council Tax

·         Treasury Management Strategy 2020-21

·         Capital Strategy 2020/2021

·         Crawley Arts and Culture Proposition

·         Irecoverable Debts 2019/20 (over £50,000) – provisional referral