Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence received at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Leisure and Community  Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 07 June 2022.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 07 June 2022 be signed and confirmed as a correct record.

The Chairman made the following announcement –

Subsequent to last June’s Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel, I met with Officers to discuss the failure to secure improvements to the sporting facilities at Cams Alders (a corporate objective). They explained the background to this proposal and as a result I am satisfied that the Panel has no further part to play in the matter.

Last year I visited Fareham Leisure Centre and Holly Hill Leisure Centre where I met with the General Managers. I was most impressed with the setup and the enthusiasm of the staff. I was also particularly impressed by the quality of the relationship between Council Officers and Everyone Active. It reflects very well on both the Officers and Fareham Borough Council in particular.

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 L Clubley declared a Non-pecuniary interest at item 7 – Citizens Advice Fareham – Service Level Agreement, as she has an outside body appointment to Citizens Advice Fareham.

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 on the proposals for the 50^th Anniversary of the Borough of Fareham.

The Panel received a report along with supporting presentation from the Communications Manager on the outline proposals for the 50^th Anniversary of the Borough. These proposals are to be considered by the Executive on the 06 March 2023. A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.

The Communications Manager provided an overview of the proposals with associated costs and explained that the events will be launched at the Christmas Lights switch on later this year.

The Panel agreed that the proposals outlined in the report show good value for money, allowing the Council to mark the occasion with a series of activities throughout 2024 with marginal funding required.

The Panel asked that officers investigate the ceremonial logo being added to the flag on the Mayor’s car and the flag pole at the entrance to the Civic Offices. It was also suggested that it be considered for the sand pit to be located within Fareham shopping centre to provide better security for the asset and allow it to be used in bad weather.

It is RECOMMENDED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel: -

a)    note the contents of the Executive report attached at Appendix 1 and the supporting presentation; and

b)    ask the Executive to consider their comments above, in relation to Appendix 1 at   their meeting on the 06 March 2023.

To receive a report asking the Executive to review the existing Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Fareham Borough Council and Citizen Advice Fareham.

The Panel received a report from the Leisure and Community Manager reviewing the existing Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Fareham Borough Council and Citizen Advice Fareham. The Executive on the 06 March 2023 will be asked to agree a new 3 year SLA and funding arrangements commencing the 1 April 2023.

The Panel discussed the report at length and asked questions for clarification from officers. Members also queried aspects of the services provided by Citizens Advice Fareham to gain a better understanding of the support offered to residents that will be funded by the new SLA.

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel:-

a)    note the contents of the Executive report attached at Appendix 1; and

b)    ask the Executive to consider their comments above, in relation to Appendix 1 at   their meeting on the 06 March 2023.

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.

Members of the Panel asked questions for clarification with regards to the scrutiny of the items of Executive business. Officers confirmed that the role of the Scrutiny Panel is to hold the Executive to account for all Executive decisions. Whilst some decisions have already been taken or implemented, it is important for the Panel to be aware of this portfolio business for context. It was also explained that the Community Fund Applications are included as these are an Executive function delegated to the Executive member for Leisure and Community. These decisions do not usually require pre-scrutiny but does allow the Panel to note the decisions as part of their scrutiny role. 

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

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 asked Members of the Panel to consider the Scrutiny Priorities for the Leisure and Community Portfolio.

The Director of Leisure and Community addressed the Panel to confirm that at the next meeting of the Panel on the 20 March 2023, an item will be brought to the Panel to scrutinise the Executive report - Providing Support to the Borough’s Community and Voluntary Sector.

Members of the Panel enquired about the request made at the last meeting, regarding an item on the grant money that has been made available to Community Centres to reduce their carbon footprint. Officers have investigated this and determined that it is appropriate for these details to be circulated outside of the Panel for information. These details will be compiled and circulated as soon as possible.

Members also enquired about an item being brought to the Panel from the Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) following the scoping report that was agreed by the Panel last year regarding the Westbury Manor Museum. The Director of Leisure and Community advised that the Hampshire Cultural Trust is currently undergoing a restructure. With this in mind, it would seem appropriate to invite the HCT to attend a future Panel at a later date.

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