Agenda item

To consider and discuss a report from the Head of Active Leeds which presents an update on the development of the Physical Activity Ambition for Leeds and also the work of Active Leeds programmes and activities.

The report of the Head of Active Leeds presented an update on the development of the Physical Activity (PA) Ambition for Leeds which is being led by Active Leeds and Public Health together with partners across the city. The report also provided an update on the work of Active Leeds programmes and activities since the last update of the Scrutiny Board meeting held 24^th November 2020.

Appended to the submitted report included a copy of the COVID-19 Rapid Literature Review Report and case study examples.

The following were in attendance for this item:

·  Councillor F Venner, Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships

·  Councillor S Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles

·  Cath Roff, Director of Adults and Health

·  Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health

·  Steve Baker, Head of Active Leeds

·  Gill Keddie, Active Leeds Development Manager

·  Natalie Curgenven, Operations Manager Active Leeds

·  Judith Fox, Public Health Manager

The Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles commended the work undertaken on behalf of Public Health and Active Leeds to ensure levels of activity are increasing across communities, to become healthier and more sustainable. It was acknowledged that there is a clear gap in addressing inequalities and ensuring all people can access facilities.

The Head of Active Leeds introduced the report and briefly highlighted the following points:

·  The progress of the City Ambition in terms of Public Health work and what has been achieved

·  Leeds Beckett University have carried out research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

·  It was identified that inequalities have worsened and BAME communities having the biggest impact on Key Performance Indicator inactivity levels

·  The establishment of a Physical Activity Partnership Board

·  Members were provided with a short video on an example of a session introduced by Get Set Leeds, and were provided with information on the work the team have carried out

·  The impact of COVID-19 on leisure centres in terms of membership levels and performance

·  Investment into leisure centres such as gym refurbishments and changing facility upgrades

·  Issues with staffing and recruitment

·  Research and a consultation exercise to understand people’s requirements and methods on how to improve access to services

Member’s discussions included:

·  The importance of linking wider public transport and liaison with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to ensure the public can access physical activity. Members were informed that work is underway to look at policies and travel initiatives more broadly.

·  The need to ensure there are minimal financial barriers and seek to ensure leisure centres are inclusive to everybody. Members suggested that the service look at gym membership costs in terms of gym only memberships, family memberships and reduced prices for off-peak/single visits.

·  Concerns were raised that some leisure centres do not provide female only changing spaces and exclude disabled access by not providing changing places / toilets.

·  The need to liaise with the NHS to look at social prescribing and how to reach more people across communities through a health setting.

·  Clarity was sought on the range of activities for the older generation and confirmation on table tennis being included in memberships and the Bowls offer across communities.

Board Members were keen to understand the offer provided on behalf of the service across different communities, and therefore agreed to carry out a site visit to several leisure centres across the city, subject to a date being agreed in conjunction with the Principal Scrutiny Adviser and the Head of Active Leeds.

RECCOMENDED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and comments received during discussion of this item

b)  To note the progress on the Physical Activity ambition presented and support the proposed next stage priorities of Active Engagements and Active People

c)  To support the establishment of the Physical Activity Partnership Board as part of governance arrangements

d)  To agree that a site visit be arranged for Board Members to a number of leisure centres across the city

e)  To agree to receive a further update on the review of the Active Leeds Life Programme and receive further information around the formation, role and governance of the proposed Physical Activity Ambition Board