Issue - meetings

This Overview and Scrutiny report comes ahead of a paper planned for Cabinet in January 2023.  Feedback from Scrutiny will be used to shape the Cabinet report and recommendations.

PLEASE NOTE: Should the Committee wish to discuss the detail of the exempt Appendix it will be necessary to exclude the press and public and move into non-public (exempt) session. If applicable, the following resolution should be moved:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3,4 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.’

The Portfolio Holder for Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Council was currently reviewing options for the future operational management of leisure sites to move towards a harmonised offer for BCP residents. The report outlined the five in-scope leisure centres at this stage and summarised the work undertaken to date. The report invited the Committee to provide comment and feedback on the options for future management of the in-scope leisure centres. This would be used to shape the Cabinet report and recommendations. Key points raised were as follows:

·       The conclusion of the Built Facility Needs Assessment, that we have the right number of facilities for future population needs in the right places across the conurbation, should be tested. Members commented on previous reviews where capacity had been called into question, particularly in relation to swimming facilities. The long-term nature of the decisions being taken made it even more important to ensure this conclusion stood up to scrutiny.

·       The rationale for the Council taking over the lease of the Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Centre (BIBC) was clarified, in that the previous tenant wanted to sell the lease and although approached, the bowling community was not in a viable position to take over. The Council then acquired the leasehold for the BIBC site and are currently reviewing the current and future use of what was is huge facility to ensure a good offer can be provided to a larger demographic.

·       There were concerns at the lack of assurance in the report that bowls would continue to be provided at BIBC. Members commented on the social benefits for users. It was recognised that there were issues with costs and declining participation. Members sought assurance that either bowls or an alternative, regular form of provision to suit this clientele would be offered at BIBC and it was confirmed that this would be considered within the tender specification.

·       While it was noted that a reduced membership offer had been arranged for BIBC members with indoor bowling facilities in Poole and Christchurch, this may not be a convenient alternative due to distance, particularly for those who don’t drive.

·       Assurance was sought that longer term considerations such as major maintenance had been factored into the evaluation exercise. Members were advised that this would be strengthened in the contract. It was noted that the contractor would not be expected to provide capital for major repairs.

·       The need for consultation and the views of sports groups should be considered, particularly when feedback on in house facilities appeared to be more positive than current external operators. If the external operator option was pursued, the contracts had to be got right from the outset. There was a need to increase current levels of activity within the local population.

·       The specific needs of certain cohorts, such as girls, should be provided for. Older people should have access to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57