Issue - items at meetings - Sport and Physical Activity Strategy 2013-2018

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached)

RESOLVED – (1) That Members approve the Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2013-18; and

(2) That Members approve the production of an annual report to be considered by the committee to update on progress towards achieving the key objectives.

39.1    The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive setting out the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy 2013–18.

39.2         It was explained that Sport and physical activity was very important to Brighton & Hove and that a Strategy was needed to ensure that resources were used effectively to achieve the key outcomes which had been identified as a result of widespread consultation. The vision driving the Strategy was to create a more active city, a healthier city, greater equality of opportunity, better facilities and a higher standard of sports performance delivered through strong partnerships between sport and health providers.

39.3    It was noted that Citywide Needs Assessments had been undertaken for Children and Young People, People with Disabilities and in respect of Childhood Obesity as well as Sport and Physical Activity. All of these assessments had identified a direct link between health, general well-being, sport and physical activity and added a new dimension to the context in which the new Strategy must be delivered.

39.4    Mr Brindley from Public Health showed a short DVD of the recent ”Take Part” part event followed by a presentation picking out the headlines from the strategy, namely initiatives to encourage more people to be more active, more often, for adults and children to take part in increased regular and sustainable participation in sport and physical activity. In addition to the highly successful annual “Take Part” initiative” it was also hoped to increase participation in existing events and to encourage new activities and events, also to capitalise on the lead up to and legacy of the Rugby World Cup.

39.5    Mr Brindley further explained that in order to achieve the strategy’s desired outcomes it was intended to explore the potential for obtaining additional grant  funding, opportunities for volunteer development, partnerships and to maximise existing resources. The importance of putting together the “Sports Development Action Plan” and the importance of setting targets and measurable outcomes were highlighted as crucial “next steps” as were devising joint working plans.

39.6    Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the report noting that in the past schools had been encouraged to make their facilities available to community and other groups outside the school day, he hoped that this was continuing.

39.7    Councillors Fitch and Smith also commended the report and in particular its emphasis on encouraging all to engage in exercise and other healthy activities on a regular basis.

39.8    Councillor Buckley referred to the planned re-location of the Brighton Gymnastics Club. The Assistant Chief Executive explained that although on going dialogue had taken place, ultimately, this was a privately owned facility.

39.9    Councillor Brown was concerned to note that the level of engagement in sport and other exercise by those in the 14-15 age group appeared to be declining and hoped that measures proposed would address this. It was explained that measures were in place to provide training and support and to access funding opportunities.

39.10  Councillor Morgan whilst welcoming the strategy stated that many in the city who were on a low/fixed income were unable to afford to pay fees to engage in activities, which was why initiatives like “Take Part” were so valuable. It was very important to highlight those activities which were free.

39.11  RESOLVED – (1) That Members approve the Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2013-18; and

            (2) That Members approve the production of an annual report to be considered by the committee to update on progress towards achieving the key objectives.