The Community Services and Licensing Committee of Stroud Council met on Thursday 12 December 2024, approving the implementation of a new Be Active scheme to offer discounted access to leisure facilities and reviewing the council's revenue estimates for the upcoming financial years. The committee also discussed the governance of Active Lifestyles Stroud District, seeking approval for updated terms of reference for the Leisure Oversight Board.

Stroud District Councils Be Active Scheme

The committee approved the implementation of the Be Active scheme, which will replace the current concessions scheme at Active Lifestyles Stroud and Active Lifestyles Dursley from 1 January 2025. This new scheme aims to improve access to health and activity services for residents who may face financial constraints. The Be Active scheme will offer discounts on pay and play activities and memberships, with eligibility criteria including concessions, senior citizens (aged 66 and over), Blue Light card holders, young people (16-25), children (16 and under), veterans, care leavers (up to age 25), and Stroud District Council/Gloucestershire County Council employees. The scheme will offer varying discount percentages, with care leavers receiving 100% discount. Consultation with existing users indicated general agreement with the proposed changes, with 65.58% agreeing to raise the age for a 20% discount from 60 to 66 years. While a £5 annual joining fee was initially proposed for some Be Active users, it was removed due to concerns it could act as a barrier. The scheme's name, Be Active, was chosen by 35% of respondents in a user survey. Financially, the scheme is estimated to result in a net gain of £57,000 per year, primarily through increased membership sales, alongside significant social and physical health benefits for residents. An Equality Impact Assessment confirmed that the scheme is expected to have a positive impact on various protected groups, particularly concerning age and disability, by increasing access to services.

Community Services and Licensing Committee Revenue Estimates - Revised 2024/25 and Original 2025/26

The committee reviewed the revised revenue estimates for 2024/25 and the original estimates for 2025/26. The revised budget for 2024/25 includes adjustments for carry forwards, re-profiling of service budgets, and the 2024/25 pay award, resulting in a projected net revenue underspend of £55,000. The capital programme shows a forecast spend of £1.428 million against a revised budget of £1.478 million.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the original estimate for the Community Services and Licensing Committee budget is £5.725 million, an increase of £112,000 on the base budget. This increase is largely attributed to several budget pressures, including CCTV replacement (£55,000), additional costs for Ubico services (£27,000), housing benefit subsidy setting (£50,000), costs associated with bringing the Stratford Park Leisure Centre in-house (£87,000), and an increase in the contribution for grassed areas to the Housing Revenue Account (£30,000). These pressures are partially offset by savings, notably £85,000 from the centralisation of the Customer Contact Centre. The report also detailed proposed fee and charge increases for various services, including community health and wellbeing classes, careline services, cemeteries, licensing, taxis and private hire, and leisure centre memberships and activities. The committee recommended the approval of these revised and original revenue budgets to the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Governance of Active Lifestyles Stroud District

The committee was updated on the role of the Leisure Oversight Board and sought approval for its updated terms of reference. The board, established in 2022, has been instrumental in the governance and decision-making during the leisure insourcing project. The proposed updated terms of reference primarily relate to the board's membership and the ongoing monitoring of the Leisure Service's performance as it transitions into operational management. The proposed membership reflects the new political balance of the council, including the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Community Services and Licensing Committee, nominated performance monitors, a representative from the Audit and Standards Committee, and up to three other named members from the Community Services and Licensing Committee. The board will continue to act as a non-decision-making advisory body to the Community Services and Licensing Committee, providing assurance that the leisure service is professionally run, financially effective, and appropriately planned, programmed, and marketed. The committee resolved to approve the updated Terms of Reference and the proposed membership of the Leisure Oversight Board.

Member/Officer Reports

Several member/officer reports were presented, providing updates on various organisations and projects:

• Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel: Updates covered the Constabulary's response to national public disorder, the Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan, and the Chief Executive's report on national priorities. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of budget cuts on PCSO recruitment and the disproportionality of child detentions.
• Kingshill House Creative Arts Centre (Trust): Trustees reported on a meeting with Stroud District Council regarding the centre's financial challenges. Cost-cutting measures have led to a likely breakeven this year, with plans to achieve a profit and rebuild reserves in the next financial year. Stroud District Council has committed to underwriting the cost of additional marketing resources.
• Homestart: The organisation supports approximately 600 families annually in the Stroud and Gloucester areas. They are seeking core funding and a Service Level Agreement from Stroud Council to support the increasing number of families with children under five being referred to their home visiting service.
• Citizens Advice: Statistics for the Stroud and Cotswold Districts showed 2,521 clients advised on 10,600 issues between March and November 2024. The top five issue areas were benefits and tax credits, debt, housing, charitable support and foodbanks, and Universal Credit. The report highlighted an increase in debt-related enquiries and provided demographic data on clients. An update was also given on the Advice First Aid pilot project.
• Salix Project Information Sheet: This report provided an update on the decarbonisation project at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, the Museum in the Park, and The Pulse, Dursley. The installation of air source heat pumps was nearing completion, with some initial teething issues being addressed. The project is forecast to have a reduced overspend of £50,000.
• Work Programme: The committee reviewed the work programme for the remainder of the 2024-25 year, outlining upcoming matters to be considered, including performance monitoring, budget monitoring, and various member/officer reports. Potential future informal information evenings were also noted.