Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors R Bird and Mrs S Bayford.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Leisure and Community  Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 28 June 2023.

RESOLVED that the Minutes from the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 28 June 2023 be signed and confirmed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed Leigh Usher, Assistant Director (Democracy) as the newly appointment Lead Officer for the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel.

To receive and declarations of interest from Members in accordance with the Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Councillor Mrs P Bryant declared a non-pecuniary interest at item 6 - Leisure Projects Update, as she is President of the Nomads Swimming Club, who hold classes at both the Holly Hill and Fareham Leisure Centres.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations received at the meeting.

To receive a presentation from the Assistant Director (Democracy) outlining the progress of all the current projects that fall within the remit of the Leisure and Community Portfolio.

Councillor Mrs P Bryant declared a non-pecuniary interest at this item as she is President of the Nomads Swimming Club.

The Panel received a report by the Assistant Director (Democracy) which provided an overview of all the current projects within the Leisure and Community Portfolio. The Leisure and Community Manager also delivered a presentation which highlighted the key areas of the report, ensuring the most up to date information was delivered to the Panel Members. The presentation is appended to these Minutes.

A slide within the presentation contained confidential information, at this point the Panel to RESOLVED to go into private session as the matter to be dealt with involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Following discussion of the confidential information, the remainder of the meeting continued in public session.

Members of the Panel asked questions for clarification on several aspects within the report and presentation. In particular, the Panel asked for more details on the timescales for the completion of the Fareham Live project. Officers explained that at this time it is isn’t possible to provide a date for completion, but they reassured Members that the project is progressing well and highlighted that the construction should be watertight within the next few weeks. It is hoped that once the construction work is complete in Spring next year and the operator take over Fareham Live, that details will quickly emerge with regards to an opening date.

The other project discussed at length was Westbury Manor Museum. Members of the Panel were unanimous in expressing their concerns about the declining footfall at the museum and financial challenges facing the Hampshire Cultural Trust who operate the museum on behalf of the Council. Officers explained that the situation is being monitored closely and further updates would be provided to the Panel as appropriate. In the meantime, and in light of the uncertain future for museum, Westbury Manor will be considered as part of the Town Centre Regeneration project.

RESOLVED that the Panel note contents of the report and supporting presentation.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the Scrutiny Panel priorities for Leisure and Community.

The Assistant Director (Democracy) addressed the Panel to ask for feedback on the previous item Leisure Projects Update, as it is hoped that this will be a standard item on the Panel’s agenda moving forward. Members of the Panel expressed delight at this new reporting method and confirmed that this is an excellent way of keeping Members informed on the Panel’s priorities.

The Chairman suggested that an update be brought to the Panel on the Shopmobility now that this has relocated into the Shopping Centre. Officers agreed that this would be included at a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel considered the scrutiny priorities.

To consider any items of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of Leisure and Community  Portfolio. This will include any decisions taken by individual Members during the same time period.

The Panel considered the items of Executive Business.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.