Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration

The report outlines Life Leisure’s performance during its first year of operation as a Community Interest Company (CIC) wholly owned by the Council. It also describes the challenges and successes it has experienced within its first 12 months of trading.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on Life Leisure’s annual report for 2022/3.

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth at peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining Life Leisure’s performance during its first year of operation as a Community Interest Company (CIC) wholly owned by the Council. It also described the challenges and successes it had experienced within its first 12 months of trading.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In response to a query about how the service had been made more inclusive and appealing to residents, it was stated that the rebranding had assisted in appearing less harsh from a marketing point of view. Furthermore, Life Leisure had worked with SEND groups and new partners across the borough to introduce new activities and redesigned its membership offer to a more attractive and competitive pricing point.

·         In response to a query in relation to staff retention, it was reported that, post pandemic, staff retention was a world-wide problem, however Life Leisure had a full workforce and had managed to keep all of its facilities open. It was reported that Life Leisure had undertaken a workforce engagement survey to inform the development of a strong work plan to improve staff retention at Life Leisure.

·         It was commented that continuous growth in relation to membership was positive, although recognised that Life Leisure may never compete with the private sector.

·         It was commented that whilst the report was positive, it was disappointing that crèche facilities had close under Life Leisure’s previous guise. Members queried whether there were any plans to offer crèche facilities in the future.

·         In response, it was reported that crèche facilities had not been well used and were expensive to run and although the facilities could return, should they become financially sustainable, it was a challenging proposition, particularly considering the required staff to child ratio.

·         It was commented that whilst crèche facilities were costly, the physical and mental health benefits of the service were important and that the provision of such a facility would differentiate the service from private facilities.

·         Members requested that Life Leisure review the provision of crèche facilities and to consider the social value against the economic cost.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.