To consider a Scrutiny Report.

Councillor Ru Yarsley, Chairman of the ‘To monitor the implementation of Magna Vitae's (MV) 5-year plan, including Key Performance Indicators (Part Two)’ Scrutiny Panel presented the report to Council for noting.

During her introduction, Councillor Yarsley extended her thanks to officers involved and to the dedicated Panel Members for their time and input.  Members were referred to the recommendations detailed at page 116 of the Agenda pack.

Councillor David Hall expressed his concern as he had been informed that the Station Sports Leisure and Learning Centre in Mablethorpe was only issuing zero hours contracts of employment to its staff. 

In response to Councillor Hall’s comment, Councillor Robert Watson, Outside Body Appointee to Magna Vitae stated that he understood that the zero hours contracts had been offered to students and was aware that it suited some employees, however would look into this matter.  It was further highlighted that there was a great deal of staff satisfaction at MV sites which could be witnessed by anyone using the facilities and a lot of surveys were undertaken with staff to monitor this.  MV also had a system of board buddies which liaised with staff at the facilities, so they had a direct independent route into the board.

Councillor Leonard referred to Charles Street Recreation Ground in Louth, which was no longer managed by MV, page 108 of the Agenda refers.  It was highlighted that this site had been left in an appalling state, following which incentives had to be offered by the Council to get the current occupier to take this on, and it was queried how this was of benefit to the rate payers when MV had allowed the site to become run down.

In response, Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction advised Members that this had been brought to his attention at a late stage and confirmed that the site had not been maintained or run by MV for several years.  Currently, officers were actively seeking partners to work with and take on the different elements of the site.  Members were advised that the fishing lake had been taken over by a fishing club who was currently making improvements to the site which was a positive step forward.  Councillor Marsh added he firmly supported asking residents for their views.  In addition he hoped that local groups would come forward to take over set areas and made reference to the possibility of a partnership agreement with Louth Town Council.

Councillor Marsh advised that he had reviewed the recommendations of the Panel and spoken to Councillor Yarsley and would be formally responding once he had spoken to his executive colleagues.

Councillor Fiona Martin, Chairman of Overview Committee thanked Councillor Yarsley and the Panel for an excellent report.  In relation to the questions raised, Councillor Martin highlighted that these should have been raised at a much earlier stage in the scrutiny process, however advised Members that the report and its recommendations would be considered by the relevant Portfolio Holder(s) and if agreed would be added to the Recommendation Tracker to be monitored, and if relevant may be addressed at this point.

Councillor Makinson-Sanders referred to a key action from MV’s 5-year Business Plan relating to maximising active and healthy lives and stated that she was disappointed to see the vending machines in the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth selling fizzy drinks and sweets.

In response to Councillor Makinson-Sanders comment, Councillor Watson considered that it was the choice of visitors to the Leisure Centre as to what they consumed and highlighted that MV attracted people by the facilities it offered.  It was considered that MV did great work in attracting people to leisure and activity and this was proven by the constantly rising membership to its facilities.

In response, Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction advised Members that MV was a private company established in 2015 and not a trading arm of the Council.  It was therefore MV’s choice on what to sell in the vending machines.  It was further highlighted that the café in the Meridian Centre offered healthy alternatives and he would not wish to interfere in the operation of a commercial company.

No further comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.