Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities which sought Members views on the Draft Sports Strategy.  The report had been referred by the Employment, Learning, Skills and Community Policy and Performance Board.

The Board was advised that this year a key objective of the council was to produce a new sports strategy for  Halton. Consultation, which was essential for the success of the strategy, had already began with sports forums and others with an interest in sport.

An outline draft copy of the Halton Sports Strategy 2012 -15 was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Board was further advised that the strategy took into account Government policy, the Sport England Strategy, National policies from other relevant bodies; relevant regional policies, sports specific policies and local plans, strategies and priorities.

It was reported that the strategy identified the following six key themes:-

·       Increase Participation and Widening Access;

·       Club Development;

·       Coach Education and Volunteering;

·       Sporting Excellence;

·       Finance and Funding for Sport; and

·       Sports Facilities.

It would  be underpinned by the need for Partnership working with local and national key partners and active promotion and publicity to raise the profile of sport.

It was also reported that a key outcome was to increase participation in which Halton had made excellent progress. This had been evidenced within the strategy. Many successes, set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report and initiatives of Halton Borough Council had contributed to the rise in performance since 2005.

In conclusion, it was reported that the council maximises external funding that was available for Sport.  The ability to secure grants and work with partners, to assist with future delivery, would be essential. In addition, it was reported that investment in School Sport had also significantly reduced since the Government’s withdrawal of funding to the School Sports Partnership. As a consequence of this, provision and policy for School sport was solely within the children and enterprise directorate and  would be reported independently by that Directorate.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·            Clarity was sought on the funding of Runcorn Football Club.  It was reported that this information would be circulated to all Members of the Board.

·            Clarity was sought on whether all different types of sports would be developed i.e. cricket and how much funding would be committed to such sports.  In addition, it was highlighted that there was already a lot of facilities for football and rugby.  It was reported that in 2005 the Authority had received lottery funding and funding from the Council in which artificial pitches and training facilities had been established.  There were so many different sports and the Authority was committed to ensuring that everybody has the opportunity to play the sport they wanted;

·            The comprehensive school sports programme was noted. In addition, it was also noted that the Government had cut funding for sport and after a very high profile campaign some funding had been re-established for sports in schools.  However, there remained a very large deficit in this area and the Authority were trying to link school sports and clubs; and

·            It was suggested that the Leisure Card could be more widely advertised, particularly as free swimming was no longer an option and this was impacting people in deprived areas.  It was reported that junior and people over 18 years of age could obtain a discounted swimming rate which equated to the same price as the Leisure Card. 

RESOLVED: That the report and comments raised be noted.