Appendix 4 to this item includes exempt information pursuant to Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. If the Scrutiny Committee wishes to discuss matters relating to the information set out in Appendix 4 to the report, it will be necessary for the Scrutiny Committee to pass a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting (as set out at agenda item 12).

Cabinet, at its meeting on 10 July 2024, will consider a report from the Executive Director (Communities and People) seeking approval for a programme of improvements at the City Council’s leisure facilities. Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford, Peter Matthew, Executive Director (Communities and People), Nigel Kennedy, Head of Financial Services and Hagan Lewisman, Active Communities Manager have been invited to present the report and answer questions. The Committee is asked to consider the report and agree any recommendations.

Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford introduced the report from the Executive Director (Communities and People) which sought Cabinet approval for a programme of improvements at the City Council’s leisure facilities. He highlighted the successful transition to More Leisure as the new provider and reported that the mobilisation had now progressed to contract management and initial teething problems continued to reduce day-by-day.

Cllr Munkonge outlined the need to improve facilities within leisure centres, the ice rinks, and swimming pools to ensure they met operational standards. The Leisure Investment Programme was initially allocated £2 million from the capital budget. Following tender invitations for the improvement projects, an additional £1.04 million was necessary to fully meet the requirements for enhancing these facilities.

Hagan Lewisman, Active Communities Manager advised that collaborative efforts with More Leisure had resulted in an exciting programme prepared for Oxford City Council’s leisure centres. The recommendations in the cabinet report were informed by expert opinions of More Leisure, were subject to a thorough procurement processes and involved the City Council’s leisure officers undertaking the necessary due diligence. The improvements promised significant positive impact across Oxford facilities, enhancing access to physical activities, reducing inequalities, and ensuring long-term sustainability, while providing a Council return on investment.

During discussions, the Committee noted the following:

• Daytime usage of the sports hall at the Leys Leisure Centre was considered low, prompting opportunities to reorganise schedules and optimise space.
• Recognising that some of the standard sports offered did not appeal to younger people, efforts were aimed at broadening the appeal of leisure centres to non-traditional activities to enable new users, whilst also addressing impacts on existing groups.
• Active user groups were encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue and potential partnerships to drive necessary changes to the current leisure programme. Whilst outcomes could not be guaranteed because of the long-term nature of this process, the focus would remain on continued conversations and identifying alternatives for these groups where possible.
• Providing leisure services was not a statutory obligation for local authorities and many other local authorities had closed swimming pools and leisure centres. The Council's procurement process prevented any closures of leisure centres, however there was recognition that some changes would affect certain groups. In response, ongoing suggestions for programme improvement were welcomed by leisure centres, with More Leisure expressing willingness to address impacts resulting from these changes.
• Gaining popularity of court activities such as padel tennis and pickleball prompted discussions with the tennis provider in relation to the incorporation of these activities on both indoor and outdoor courts.
• Athletics activities were closely coordinated with the Oxford athletics club with efforts made to integrate these into the services offered by More Leisure to ensure a variety of usage opportunities were available.

The Committee requested that the Scrutiny Officer liaise with officers to schedule the following items into the Work Plan:

• The follow-up report requested as part of the Committee’s previous recommendation on the Leisure Services Contract Award: ‘That the Council reports back to the Scrutiny Committee as soon as possible with an update on the arrangements established for the effective commissioning, delivery and management of the leisure services contract – including the arrangements established to ensure a smooth transition to the new provider.’
• A progress review of implementation of the Leisure Investment Programme at the appropriate point, including an update on progress on the programme/project delivery, whether it is on target, and key performance indicators linked to programme/projects.

The Committee resolved to make the following recommendation on the report to Cabinet:

1. That the Council undertakes a thorough analysis of the Leys Leisure Centre sports hall usage during all opening times, paying particular attention to evening usage, to understand the impact that the proposal would have on user groups; actively engages with users regarding appropriate alternative provision; and ensures that appropriate mitigations are put in place to protect against disproportionate impacts of the Leys Leisure Centre sports hall proposals on active user groups.
2. That the Council publishes high-level information on the Leisure Investment Programme and progress on its delivery in a prominent place on the Council’s website in order to provide public reassurance and transparency.

Cllr Jarvis left the meeting.

Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford and Hagan Lewisman, Active Communities Manager left the meeting and did not return.