Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director for Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced  by the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services.]

To agree the Haringey Physical Activity and Sport Strategy and two key supporting strategies - the Outdoor Sports and Play Facilities Framework and the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services introduced the report which sought approval to the Haringey Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2019 – 2023. The Cabinet Member summarised that the strategy set out the borough’s vision, mission, aims and objectives for increasing rates of physical activity over the next four years.

The Cabinet Member continued to seek support for the strategy which built on the Council’s partnership work over many years to create a culture of activity, further echoed in the Borough Plan which also strives to increase activity rates. Essentially, the vision was to create and embed a culture of activity and aspiration, becoming the best borough in London for activity. The far reaching benefits of increased physical activity were outlined such as good mental health and inclusion in the community.

In response to questions from Councillors: Bull, M Blake, das Neves and Cawley- Harrison, the following information was noted:

·         The Cabinet Member would be working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that there was a joined up approach to considering both diet and activity to support increased health benefits. Health sector colleagues were already a key partner in the compilation of the strategy.

·         In relation to the provision of sporting activity for diverting young people into positive activity and involving Fusion with the increase in the take up activities after school time, the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services was happy to work with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities on this issue, noting that Fusion already offer a significant programme of after school leisure activities for children and young people.  

·         With regards to the level of aspiration being taken forward with the target of 2% improvement, this required realistic consideration in light of the level of persuasion involved in advocating lifestyle changes. This often involved increasing the number of small changes to have an impact.

·         The Cabinet Member provided assurance that this was a joined up strategy which had been compiled with the different areas of the Council connected with supporting physical activity such as transport.

·         The Cabinet Member agreed that active travel with schools and introducing school streets around the borough would help tackle inactivity and this connected with the wider aim of the strategy to increase activity.

·         In relation to the charges for use of some park facilities , this was a small charge  in what were challenging times for the budget of the local authority and the priority was to ensure that parks remained accessible to residents.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2019 – 2023 as set out in Appendix 1;

2.    To approve the two supporting facility strategies; The Outdoor Sports and Play Facilities Framework 2016 – 2026 and the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2018 – 2028 as set out in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3;

3.    To approve the governance arrangements detailed in 6.24 and 6.25.

Reasons for decision

In approving the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy the Council sets out a positive vision and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150