Request from Northumberland Sport for financial contribution to Regional Sports Facilities Strategy work
Report by:
Tim Kirton, Head of Regeneration Service
Ward Implications:
All wards
1
Summary
1.1
Northumberland Sport has identified a need to produce a strategy within this financial year for the development of sports facilities, particularly in the light of the forthcoming reorganisation of the Northumberland schools structure. Northumberland Sport is requesting a contribution of up to £2,000 from each Borough/District Council towards this work.
2
Recommendation
2.1
That the Policy Committee recommends the Council to agree supplementary funding of up to £2,000 as a contribution towards this work.
3
Report
3.1
Northumberland Sport, the County Sports Partnership (CSP) incorporates numerous statutory and non-statutory organisations working across the County with a common aim of increasing participation in sport. This partnership includes the Borough Council.
The Partnership is striving to raise standards in the provision of community sports facilities including leisure centres, playing fields, swimming pools, school sports facilities and other venues where sport and active recreation can be enjoyed and to enhance access for all communities
The Partnership has identified a need to produce a comprehensive strategy within this current financial year, for the development of sports facilities that will inform investment decisions across the County throughout the duration of the reorganisation of the schools structure and to ensure that investment across all facilities is complementary through to 2020.
Additionally it is intended to ensure that best practice is adopted and that appropriate management models are put in place to deliver the most efficient and effective use of all facilities for school pupils and the wider community.
The Northumberland Strategy will work with the Regional Sports Strategy taking into account known intelligence and developments and ensuring that the regional office for Sport England is fully integrated.
The brief for the County-wide Strategy is attached to this report for members’ information. Members are asked to note particularly that the Brief clearly refers to the role of sport in regeneration and requires full consultation with planners, housing leads and other relevant agencies.
3.2
It is estimated that the total cost of a high quality strategy could be around £30,000. NCC tendering procedures will be followed.
It has been proposed that each Borough/District Council makes a contribution of £2,000 and the County Council £5,000. The Northumberland Sport Board has agreed to contribute £5,000. Sport England are being asked to contribute £10,000. This will give an overall budget of £32,000. All finances and contributions will be required within the current financial year.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
This funding request can be supported
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
No comments
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None arising directly from this report
4.4
Local Agenda 21
Although the proposal will not have a direct effect the resulting information is intended to develop proposals for a major enhancement to leisure opportunities of a majority of the community.
4.5
Equality
The Strategy will include a commitment to equality of access to sports provision for all members of the community and is expected to particularly enhance opportunities for hard to reach groups.
4.6
Crime and Disorder
None received
5
Report Author
5.1
Tim Kirton, Head of Regeneration Service, Telephone (01289) 301760, Email tk@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
