Agenda item

To be presented by the Head of Communities & Place.

The purpose of this report was to present the Active Torridge Business Plan and seek approval for the principle of a contract extension (2027 -2032) with associated management fee and report schedule.

The Leader commenced the presentation providing details on:

·         Strategic Context

·         Reasons to invest Leisure - health & wellbeing, buildings & assets and reduction in carbon footprint –

·         Current activities and engagement.

·         Summary

Following his speech the Leader moved the recommendations in the report, which was seconded by Councillor C Hodson.

Councillor L Piper continued the presentation expressing his gratitude to officers who put together the report and acknowledged points made in the discussion so far. He articulated his enthusiasm for his various roles both at Torridge District Council and in the voluntary sector. He stressed the importance of reaching out to the community and tackling societal problems, speaking passionately about how Active Torridge’s Business Plan set out the foundation to improve and make a difference to those more disadvantaged, isolated and struggling. He referenced the funding already secured and how this would help with decarbonisation. He ended by congratulating Active Torridge on the success so far and handed over to the Chris Keeble, Chief Operating Officer of Active Torridge to continue with the presentation.

The Chief Operating Officer delivered a slide presentation highlighting the following:

·         Strategic Aims

·         Year 1-3 review

·         Spotlight on Active Torridge

·         Postcode analysis

·         Financial history

·         Key Initiatives for 2025/26

·         Ambition and growth

·         Financial 25/26 – 28/29

·         Management fee projections

·         Contract Extension

To conclude the presentation Judith Gentry, the Non-Executive Director for Active Torridge addressed the Committee. She introduced herself and detailed her work experience and expertise and how this contributes to Active Torridge. She fully validated the Business Plan whilst acknowledging the improvements that need to be made. She advised how the governance review had been examined three times by external consultants and that the Board welcome recommendations for improvements and support the need for KPIs.

Following the conclusion of presentation the Chair moved the recommendations in the report, however this was not necessary as it had previously been moved and seconded by Councillor K James and Councillor C Hodson.

In response to a query the Chief Operating Officer advised the ambition of a purpose-built facility would be in future years, following the successful implementation of current aims and objectives.

Following a query surrounding the utilisation of the 100 free memberships given out by Active Torridge, the Chief Operating Officer advised he did not have to hand the figures however would find out and let Members know.

The Head of Communities & Place clarified that TDC does a lot of community engagement.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by C Hodson and –

Resolved:

That Members note the content of the Active Torridge Business Plan.

That Members note that Active Torridge has triggered the 2-year extension to the original leisure contract and are committed to delivering leisure services for the Council until March 2027.

That the management fee for the 2-year contract extension identified in the Business Plan be approved.

That the principal of a further 5 year contract extension to run from April 2027 until March 2032 and delegate responsibility for the agreement of that contract and any associated reporting requirements, to the Head of Legal and Governance be approved.

That it be approved, for budgeting purposes, that the management fee requirement, be agreed, in line with the amounts identified in the business plan presentation (although exact final amounts for inclusion within a revised contract may vary from these) and amend the Council’s medium term financial strategy to reflect the ongoing commitment.

(Vote: For – 31, Abstentions – 0, Against – 1)