Issue - meetings

This report has been provided to update the Scrutiny Panel regarding the Physical Activity & Leisure Services in B&NES, setting the scene around the benefits of physical activity across a wide range of outcomes and data regarding current levels of activity across the local population.

The Director of Public Health introduced the report and explained to the Panel that Leisure Services moved to within the remit of Public Health in 2021 and said that this had proved to be an excellent decision.

The Head of Leisure & Physical Activity addressed the Panel and said that producing the report had been a useful process to have undertaken. He said that the changes to the service over the years have been monumental and that it was fantastic to now be part of the Public Health service.

Kevin Burnett asked if further comments could be given regarding any barriers to participation, gaps in provision and key priorities / funding options.

The Head of Leisure & Physical Activity replied that these matters can depend on where you live within B&NES and it was known that certain populations were not so active. He added that any increase in activity is encouraged and does not have to be through a recognised sport or event.

He explained that they are working with certain community groups such as the Bath City Football Foundation to try to address the disparity and find other locations for them to hold activities.

He said that cost does remain a barrier to take part in certain activities.

In terms of gaps in provision he said that they were assessing what local leisure facilities are available and whether any can be enhanced. He added that they were looking at how green spaces can be used more and were working with the Green Infrastructure Team to look at areas across the Council.

He said that the element of ‘play’ would also be a focus to see how that can be developed in order to achieve healthy / active outcomes. He added that the team has a good relationship with GLL, the Council’s leisure facilities provider and the Dragonfly Trust that are based in Midsomer Norton who have recently opened a community garden and outdoor play space.

Kevin Burnett asked what resources would be required to expand any provision.

The Head of Leisure & Physical Activity replied that there were only two members of staff within the Physical Activity Team, but said they were creative in finding additional resources and that funding opportunities and innovative solutions were worked upon with GLL.

The Director of Public Health added that an advantage of working within a relatively small council was being able to work with other services such as the Parks Team, in terms of play and officers working on the Local Plan to see what opportunities can be maximised. She said that Active Travel was also an element to their future work.

Councillor Joanna Wright commented that she would have liked to have seen a section within the report on Active Travel and how people of all ages can be encouraged to travel to the facilities mentioned in an active way.

She said that a large focus within the report was on group / pitch based activities, but said it was known that many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93