Agenda item

O&S.73/19        

Consideration was given to a report that presented the 2019 Annual Report from Fusion Lifestyle on the management of all six leisure centres across South Hams and West Devon.

Following a joint presentation conducted by the Council’s Assets (Leisure) Specialist and the Fusion Lifestyle representatives, a debate ensued, during which particular reference was made to:

(a)   the effectiveness of the recent Task and Finish Group Review.  The Fusion representatives and a number of Members wished to put on record that the recent Task and Finish Group Review had been very successful and had led to closer working relations between the Council and Fusion Lifestyle;

(b)   the aging nature of the Leisure Centres buildings.  Whilst there had been significant investment inside the Centres from Fusion Lifestyle, there was a general recognition that the Centres were aging buildings that would soon require some investment works to be carried out.  A local Ward Member referred to the significant recent improvements that had been made to the Ivybridge Leisure Centre and urged all Members to visit the site;

(c)   the conclusions of the Task and Finish Group in respect of sustainability/environmental improvements.  Whilst in the infancy of a long journey, the Fusion representatives advised that the Climate Change agenda was being given great corporate emphasis by the organisation.  The representatives proceeded to outline some of the progress and challenges that they were facing to fulfil their sustainability and environmental obligations. 

Such was the significance of the issue, that an additional recommendation was then PROPOSED and SECONDED and when put to the vote was declared CARRIED:

‘That the Panel request that Fusion Lifestyle representatives provide a further report in six months’ time specifically on the progress being made on their sustainability/environmental obligations.’

(d)   Community Development and Outreach.  Whilst representatives confirmed that they did approach local target community groups, Members were also reminded that other groups could contact Fusion’s Community Development officers themselves.  It was noted that all Members had a role to play in this respect and it was also acknowledged that Fusion’s Community Development resources were not plentiful.

The representatives also informed that they were currently drafting the Fusion Annual Sport and Community Development Plan and all Members were encouraged to have an input into this process before the Plan was signed off in April.

Some Members reiterated their frustrations that a number of parishes received no provision from the Community Outreach service.  Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that a future meeting would be set up between Fusion representatives and those Members who had expressed concerns; 

(e)   customer satisfaction levels.  The representatives stated that, whilst the customer satisfaction scores were disappointing, they were not unsurprising given both the low sample size and the extent of the disruption that had been caused by the internal renovation works during 2019.  As a consequence, the organisation was very confident that the equivalent figures in 2020 would see a considerable improvement;

(f)     a review of Centre pricing structures.  In light of the number of inconstancies and legacy pricing structures, Fusion was currently undertaking a detailed review.  In reply and, prior to any proposed changes being implemented, the Panel made a formal request for all Members to be given advanced notice of the rationale behind any proposed changes in leisure prices.  Whilst not wishing to influence the operational management of the Centres, Members felt it to be important to be aware of any changes before they were rolled-out.  When put to the vote, this proposal was declared CARRIED;

(g)   Totnes Phase 2.  When questioned, the representatives informed that Fusion had earmarked £1.5 million towards facility improvements at Totnes Leisure Centre;

(h)   the ‘Dementia Friendly’ initiative.  The Panel was assured that Fusion Lifestyle remained committed to the ‘Dementia Friendly’ initiative and the organisation was targeting all of its Leisure Centres in the South Hams to be ‘Dementia Friendly’ before the end of this year.

It was then:

RESOLVED

That the Panel:

1.      thank Fusion for its 2019 Annual Report and ask that Fusion representatives take action on the Member issues that are specifically raised in the detailed minutes above;

2.      request that Fusion Lifestyle representatives provide a further report in six months’ time specifically on the progress being made on their sustainability/environmental obligations; and

3.      request that all Members be given advanced notice from Fusion of the rationale behind any proposed changes in leisure prices.