Agenda item

The Leisure Services Manager submitted a report reviewing the annual performance of the leisure contract by Sport and Leisure Management (SLM) Limited.  Mathew Nicolson provided an overview of the contract to date.  The Council’s investment of £3.58m had transformed leisure facilities in the District.  It was noted that membership throughout the District had increased generally, although there had been a slight decrease in membership at Ward Freman.  This was explained.  It was anticipated that there might be a growth in swimming in 2012 due to the Olympics. 

Mr Nicolson referred to a recent survey of customer satisfaction via Gov.Metric which sought feedback on five specific areas.  Generally, this had been positive.  It was noted that SLM planned to invest an additional £20,000 at Grange Paddocks on fitness equipment which currently had 100 stations.  Updates were provided in relation to leisure facilities at Fanshawe (which had received 3^rd place in a national health club award), Leventhorpe and Presdales.  It was noted that East Herts was the third top performing contract in the South East Region.

Mr Nicolson outlined SLM’s eight-point leisure plan to mark the Olympics. 

Councillor S Bull queried the cessation of free swimming for the 60plus age group.  Mr Nicolson explained that this was consistent with what was happening with other contracts locally.  In terms of encouraging the 60plus age group to swim, he explained that the swimming timetable had been amended by the inclusion of another swimming “slot” for this age group.

The Chairman queried what SLM was doing to minimise energy usage and reduce its “carbon footprint”.  Mr Nicolson explained that that a variable speed device would be bought by the end of March 2012 which would reduce electricity usage by between 45-50%.  The use of pool covers was also being investigated.

Councillor N Poulton commented that the rural villages were not provided with promotional leisure literature and asked that Councillors be provided with this information for dissemination.

Councillor C Woodward praised SLM for their award winning successes.  Mr Nicolson stated that SLM would be submitting their “Quest” award status entry at the end of March.  Councillor C Woodward referred to the comments submitted in relation to football, littering and complaints.  Ms Norman stated that she was receiving less and less complaints on this issue.

Mr Nicolson provided guidance on the percentage of the respondent group involved in the survey.

Councillor E Buckmaster queried what new initiatives’ SLM might be undertaking.  Ms Norman provided a summary.

Councillor P Ruffles complemented SLM on the “good news” and welcomed the report.  He sought assurances from SLM that more comparative information be included within the report.  By way of an example, he referred to his difficulty in being able to understand the certain scores contained in the report.

Councillor T Herbert expressed concern at the distinctions on gym usage between those who paid by direct debit and those who used the “pay as you go” arrangement.  Mr Nicholson explained the need to incorporate elements of control which were not intimidating, for those not paying by direct debit.

The Chairman referred to the card system and that this did not record those who were using the gym and swimming on the same occasion.  Mr Nicolson outlined how the software worked in terms of it making a “percentage guess”.

The Chairman, on behalf of Members congratulated SLM on their award successes and on the progress made.

Members received the report.

RESOLVED – that the report be received.