Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor B Walker and Councillor T Walker declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the Capital Plan Projects and the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust Performance Update items on the grounds of being an employee of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust.  They did not participate in any discussion and withdrew from the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Communities  Advisory Board held on 10 June 2015

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Communities Advisory Board held on 10 June 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Presentation from Mr Chris Hunt

The General Manager (Mr C Hunt) of Kent Savers provided an update on the work undertaken in Tonbridge and Malling since the allocation of an unconditional grant of £10,000 to the Kent Savers Credit Union in October 2014. 

Particular reference was made to the extent to which local families in need had been able to access financial support from Kent Savers and what had been done to promote the scheme locally.

It was reported that there were 174 members in the Tonbridge and Malling area which was an increase of 93 in the last year.  All promotion of the scheme was done through partners including housing associations, particularly Circle Russet, local churches in Tonbridge, Hildenborough, Ightham and West Malling and Aylesford Parochial Church Council. In addition, the charity Carers First promoted Kent Savers across West Kent.

Mr Hunt advised that local businesses, the Halifax in Tonbridge and NSL in Larkfield, had also expressed an interest in promoting the loan service.

The importance of working with external partners was recognised by Kent Savers and the assistance in promoting their services throughout the Borough was appreciated.

Members welcomed the improved positive and active engagement with people in Tonbridge and Malling.  However, it was suggested that a breakdown of the distribution of loans within the Borough might be valuable in identifying those areas of most need. 

Decision Notice D150067MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health described the partnership work themes identified by the Borough Council’s Health Action Team. In addition, an update on both the recent Active People’s survey and the West Kent Health and Wellbeing Board was provided.

The three priority themes identified reflected the Borough Council’s local health improvement needs:

-        Reducing obesity and increasing physical activity

-        Developing a Dementia Friendly Tonbridge

-        Preventing admissions to hospital due to falls in the home

Members noted the successful assessment for the Kent Healthy Business award and that the Borough Council was the only local authority in Kent to meet the standards required against all nine criteria at the ‘Commitment Level’.  This success had been due to the hard work and contribution of all Services across the organisation.

Details of the Active People’s survey were highlighted and it was reported that the local results were encouraging and underlined the work undertaken by Leisure Services, the Health Improvement Team and external partners.

Particular reference was made to the financial pressures faced by Kent County Council Public Health Service and Members were advised of a potential 10% reduction in budget funding.  This would represent a significant challenge in delivering health and wellbeing outcomes.

Members discussed concerns around obesity in young children, the implications of air quality on health and whether sheltered housing accommodation could be considered for future developments.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the three work themes identified by the Health Action Team as its priorities, and set out above, be endorsed;

(2)             the results of the Active People’s survey be noted; and

(3)             staff across all Services be thanked for their hard work in achieving  the ‘Commitment Level’ of the Kent Healthy Business award as an important step in reinforcing the importance of health and wellbeing of employees.

Decision Notice D150068MEM

Members were advised of progress with key projects contained in the Borough Council’s Capital Plan.  In addition, a Post Implementation Review related to the pipework surrounding the outdoor pool at Tonbridge Swimming Pool was brought forward for approval.  The details were set out in Annex 2 of the report.

The current position regarding the refurbishment of the health suite and ultra violet disinfection at Larkfield Leisure Centre, potential improvements to facilities at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, the Tonbridge Town Lock project and proposals for design works for Wouldham river wall were outlined and noted by Members.

With regard to Tonbridge Town Lock Members were assured that regular liaison and discussion with the Environment Agency was ongoing and the project was fully compliant with their recommendations.   Members also indicated that any further delays to the project timetable should be avoided where possible.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)         the Post Implementation Review for Tonbridge Outdoor Pool, as shown at Annex 2 of the report, be approved; and

(2)         a detailed design for works to Wouldham River Wall be progressed and costed and reported to the January 2016 meeting of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board.

Decision Notice D150069MEM

The report sought nominations for Member representatives to attend Customer Panel meetings at the Borough Council’s two Country Parks until May 2016.

Members were advised that Customer Panels were a valuable tool in assisting Borough Council facilities to meet the needs of their customers by seeking views from a cross section of users on the services provided.  The Panels also provided a ‘sounding board’ for potential new initiatives.

Reference was made to the proposals of the Judd School and whether these would have implications for users of Haysden Country Park.  Members were assured that the School were fully aware of the situation and were keen to avoid any negative impact although the situation would be monitored.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Group Leaders, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services and officers, be invited to nominate representatives to serve on the Customer Panels at the two country parks until May 2016.

Members received the report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services, which set out details of the recent performance of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust. 

The latest Annual Service Delivery Plan – Cumulative Quarterly Monitoring Report for Quarter 1 of the financial year, covering 1 April to 30 June 2015 was attached at annex 1 to the report.

Members were pleased to note the encouraging position on customer attendance levels, user satisfaction, service delivery and income.  The financial performance of the Trust continued to be positive and, whilst confirmed outturn figures for 2014/15 had yet to be received, early indications suggested the Trust would outturn positively against its profiled surplus.

The Chief Executive of the Leisure Trust reported on an effective working partnership with the Borough Council and reassured Members that the Trust was on target to deliver outcomes.  It was also indicated that any profits would be put back into services and facilities to maintain quality and performance.

Reference was made to the challenges around recruitment and retention of staff despite being above the average levels for the industry standard, although the Trust remained confident that quality and performance would not be affected. 

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.