Agenda and minutes

An apology of absence was received from Councillor J Englefield.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Leisure and Community  Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 25 February 2020.

Members requested that the Minutes be changed where reference is made to a Y-Services scoping report being brought to the ‘next meeting’ and that instead this be changed to reflect the resolution text and refer instead to a ‘future meeting’.

RESOLVED that, with the wording ‘next meeting’ be changed to ‘future meeting’ with reference to a Y-Services scoping report, the Minutes of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 25 February 2020 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no announcements made at this meeting.

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 S Bayford declared a non-pecuniary interest at item 8 – Community Centres Covid-19 Impact, as she is a member of the Lockswood Community and Sports Association.

Councillor S Dugan declared a non-pecuniary interest at item 8 – Community Centres Covid-19 Impact, as he is a member of the Crofton Community Association.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a report and supporting presentation from the Director of Leisure and Community outlining the timescales and internal designs for both the Fareham and Holly Hill Leisure Centres upgrade programmes.

The Panel received a report with supporting presentation from the Leisure and Community Manager updating Members on the progress to the refurbishment plans and designs for both the Fareham and Holly Hill Leisure Centres.

The Leisure and Community Manager started by advising that some social media reports had raised concerns over the closure over the centres whilst the refurbishment work is carried out. She confirmed both Leisure Centres will, in fact remain open throughout the works.

Members of the Panel raised concerns over the glass covering the exterior designs at the Fareham Leisure Centre, namely; privacy, child safety and temperature regulation, within the gym spaces. The Director of Leisure and Community confirmed that all of these concerns would be discussed with the designers and comments fed back to the Panel at a later stage.

The Chairman asked for confirmation that Council officers had been consulted throughout the design process. Officers confirmed that they have been consulted and will continue to update Members as appropriate throughout the process.

A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report and supporting presentation.

To receive a report and supporting presentation from the Director of Leisure and Community providing details of Play Area Development Plans and Progress throughout the Borough.

The Panel received a report along with supporting presentation by the Leisure and Community Manager updating Members on the progress to the five-year Play Area Improvement Plan.

Members of the Panel enquired as to how many of the Council’s play areas are fully accessible to children of all abilities. The Leisure and Community Manager advised the Panel that all Council owned play areas are audited, and this information could be circulated to Members but wasn’t available during the meeting. The Leisure and Community Manager advised that although some play areas themselves have the space to accommodate inclusive items of play equipment it is not always possible to install such items as the play areas themselves are not always accessible due to the local landscape. New play areas do however provide the opportunity to install play equipment that is suitable for all ages and abilities. 

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report and supporting presentation.

To receive a report from the Director or Leisure and Community on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Community Centres throughout the Borough.

The Panel received a report by the Leisure and Community Manager on the impact that the Covid-19 restrictions have had on the Council’s Community Buildings.

Claire Benfield, Leisure and Community Officer presented the report to the Panel, highlighting the support that the Council has and continues to provide to community associations and groups throughout the Borough.

Councillor S Bayford declared a non-pecuniary interest at item 8 – Community Centres Covid-19 Impact, as she is a member of the Lockswood Community and Sports Association.

Councillor S Dugan declared a non-pecuniary interest at item 8 – Community Centres Covid-19 Impact, as he is a member of the Crofton Community Association.

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

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.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

Members of the Panel enquired about the large reserves listed on the decision sheet suggesting that it may be useful to highlight that although some Community Associations hold large reserves these funds are required to cover running costs. This would help to clarify the accounting to residents and Members.

No comments were received.

The Panel were informed of an EPetition that had been started by a resident to retain the name Ferneham Hall in the name of the new venue. The petition was due to close on the 09 October 2020 and Members would be updated accordingly on the outcome of this.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

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

The Chairman invited Members of the Panel to consider the Scrutiny Priorities for the Leisure and Community Panel.

The Director of Leisure and Community addressed the Panel to suggest that, given the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on priorities of the Leisure and Community Portfolio, she and the Chairman revisit the priorities allowing for a more focussed discussion at the next meeting of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel for all Members of the Panel to contribute.

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel considered the Scrutiny Priorities.