Issue - items at meetings - Sports Facilities Leisure Card Update

25.1    The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which provided an update in relation to the council’s Leisure Card scheme following its introduction across six council sports facilities operated on behalf of the council by Freedom Leisure as part of the Sports Facilities Contract in April 2013.

25.2    The report set out details on take-up of the scheme and also provided an assessment of its impact upon the levels of physical activity by Leisure Card holders. The scheme had been set up based on the principle of providing a discounted price to those likely to be able to afford to pay standard prices and to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity by traditionally low user groups for whom price had been identified as a barrier to taking part. The Leisure Card scheme had also been designed to bring a clear and consistent approach to concessionary pricing and could be applied for free of charge by any residents in receipt of certain benefits.

25.3    The Head of Sport and Leisure explained that the results of the survey undertaken to measure the success of the scheme had clearly demonstrated that the Leisure Card scheme had helped to provide better opportunities for residents on low incomes to access council sports facilities.

25.4    Councillor Wealls stated that the scheme appeared to have been revenue positive in addition to achieving greater take up of healthy activity by under-represented groups. He considered that there would be merit in seeking to identify and engage with other groups where there were “gaps” which could be addressed.

25.5    Councillors Smith and K Norman commented the health benefits that accrued from encouraging people to keep fit and active stating that they were aware that the Health and Wellbeing Board was looking at linking with the NHS and other partners and stressing the importance of a joined up approach in publicising such initiatives.

25.6    Councillor Robins supported what had been said stressing that when the ability to use the card at venues across the city was important, if facilities were easily accessible, it was more likely that concessions would be taken up.

25.7    Councillor Randall agreed with all that had been said and highlighted the importance of publicising what was available. For instance the “Ping” initiative which had provided the opportunity to take up table tennis at various locations across the city had been widely advertised before-hand and had been hugely popular.

25.8    RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the positive benefits following the successful introduction of the citywide Leisure Card in April 2013.