Issue - meetings

The Head of Operations submitted a report providing an overview of the draft Physical Activity Strategy as now detailed and sought feedback on the draft strategy which would be submitted to the Executive for approval in the summary 2017.  The Head of Operations explained the need to have an overarching policy which would integrate and complement with the development of the leisure strategy. 

The Head of Operations provided Members with a thought provoking presentation by Dr Mike Evans on the health benefits to be accrued to individuals’ in taking part in at least 30 minutes a day of daily exercise. 

In response to a query from Councillor N Symonds, the Head of Operations explained that working collaboratively and in partnership with national and local organisations on key strategic themes, would support residents and children in becoming more active, but it was recognised that it was everybody’s responsibility to encourage physical activity.  The Head of Operations commented that it was about improving the infrastructure and modernising the approach to physical activity, e.g. cycling and making this more popular by developing partnership working and a supportive structure. 

The Leisure Services Development Manager provided a summary of the role of religious groups in terms of their contribution to the community. 

In response to a query, the Head of Operations explained how the Council supported the promotion of health to its staff.

Councillor M Freeman referred to the role of the community including local businesses in supporting activity.  He suggested that businesses could provide showers for e.g. cyclists.  Councillor A Alder commented that going to the gym was not attractive to everyone and that it was about looking at an individual’s lifestyle to see how best activity could be optimised.

The Committee approved the report, as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) Members’ comments now detailed on the draft Physical Activity Strategy within Essential Reference Paper “B” of the report submitted, be incorporated prior to public consultation; and

(B)   the strategy be supported for submission to the Executive in summer 2017 for approval.