Agenda item

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The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture, the Customer & Digital Systems Manager and the Head of Performance Development presented an update which detailed Alive Leisure’s activities, performance and developments.

The Chair, Councillor Collop thanked officers for the presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel as summarised below.

Councillor Colwell asked about concession card discounts and auto?enrolment.  The Head of Performance Development explained that tax rules prevented discounts at other Alive facilities, but auto?enrolment could be considered.  The Head of Performance Development reported that Sport England?funded concession cards were being tested in North Lynn and that adult concession cards were free to improve accessibility.

Councillor Kemp asked about support for people with ADHD, autism and Parkinson’s. The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture said they were working to make environments more inclusive and were progressing work on Parkinson’s support, with potential funding available.

In response to a question from Councillor Ware, the Head of Performance Development confirmed the Borough had delivered exercise referral programmes for over 20 years and that all GPs and health professionals could refer patients through the Active Now system.

Councillor Heneghan asked about accessibility and promotion of classes.  The Head of Performance Development reported they offered 26 programmes across 18 locations, with community programme attendance up nearly 30% on the previous year.  The Head of Performance Development added that residents unable to travel could receive one?to?one home visits or attend community centres free of charge.

In response to questions from Councillor Devulapalli, the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture confirmed they had capacity to take on more people and held detailed demographic data, some of which was sensitive but could be shared outside the meeting.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture also confirmed they had a full list of referring GPs.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Kunes queried the data period.  The Head of Performance Development clarified the presentation covered April 2025 to date, with attendance in line with the previous year but memberships slightly down.

Councillor Rust praised the quality of the facilities and services that Lynnsport offered.

The Chair, Councillor Collop asked about afternoon fitness classes and staffing shortages.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture confirmed afternoon classes were offered but these were less popular, leading to rationalisation.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture confirmed there was no shortage of instructors.

Councillor Rust left the meeting.

The Chair, Councillor Collop raised concerns about communication.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture agreed to pass on the feedback and improve the app to support better communication.

In response to questions from Councillor Long, the Head of Performance Development confirmed the agenda figures were from last year’s impact report, while the presentation used 2025/2026 data.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture added that they remained below national benchmarks and had room for growth.

Councillor Colwell asked about the success of creating communities events.  The Head of Performance Development reported strong engagement, particularly in South Lynn, and said expansion would depend on funding and resources.  Councillor Colwell encouraged Members to support this work, especially ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business, Councillor Ring, reported work had begun on exploring a Borough card to widen opportunities and discounts.  Councillor Ring also highlighted ambitions to expand work with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on rehabilitation, despite challenges in securing grant funding.  Councillor Ring welcomed suggestions for new activities and commended officers for their work.

Councillor Moore praised the quality of Alive’s facilities.

Public attendees raised concerns about class availability for older adults and communication about changes.  The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture confirmed their feedback would be taken forward.  The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business, Councillor Ring suggested a dedicated meeting with officers to discuss solutions.

Councillor Long proposed that the Panel receive a progress update in six months, which was unanimously agreed.

Councillor Heneghan thanked the public attendees for their contributions.

Councillor Lintern left the meeting.