Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 3 October 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2022 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

To consider possible approaches to mitigating the excessive energy costs currently being placed on Freedom Leisure and options to support Freedom with such costs.

Appendix 2 to this report comprises exempt information – to exclude the public (including the press) from a meeting of a committee it is necessary for the following proposition to be moved and adopted: “that the public be excluded from the meeting for Items which would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as indicated.”

Members considered the Freedom Leisure Utilities report presented by Councillor Clark.

Councillor Hoy commented that this is not an ideal situation, but it is good that we are keeping swimming pools open when they are closing in other areas. Swimming is a vital life skill for children, and in her view this is good use of taxpayer’s money.

Councillor Tierney said it is a disappointing situation to be in and he did not support the initial plans for the centres to be run by Freedom Leisure; things can be handled in different ways so he does not accept that the position would be the same if the Council was still running them. Freedom sold themselves as experts in their field, but they always come to the Council when they hit problems. He does not want the Council to be seen as a soft touch, but he agrees with Councillor Hoy. Not only is it vital for people to have access to swimming lessons, but it also combats loneliness, particularly for the elderly.  Also, few people could afford to go private. In his view, this is a good plan to mitigate the problems; the Council has financial difficulties of its own so cannot go too far but it must be made clear that Freedom cannot expect the Council to bail them out every time there is a hiccup.

Councillor Boden said it should be noted that Freedom Leisure is a charitable trust so does not make any profit.

Councillor Mrs French said she disagreed with some of Councillor Tierney’s comments. A lot of additional children are coming into the district, and we cannot put them in jeopardy. Leisure centres are so important and must be kept open.

Councillor Mrs Laws said she agreed with Councillor Tierney’s comment that the Council should not be the first port of call over finance, but Covid did a lot of damage to sports facilities, and we are all facing financial pressures. However, it is so important to have the leisure centres open, particularly swimming pools, not only for swimming but for health and social benefits. Although she appreciates this is taxpayers’ money it is a good investment for our residents.

Councillor Murphy said Councillor Tierney was spot on. We have a good plan in place, we cannot afford to shut anything down and agrees the Council should carry on with the options we have.

Councillor Count said that this is one of the services that the Council provides but it is not in the statutory category. We have the right match in that there are four leisure centres in the four towns and this paper provides us with a way forward in difficult times for everyone. Councillor Count said he finds the report to be fully prepared and researched. He is in support of all the options, some of which are an investment for the future, i.e., energy performance, and others are a reaction to the current situation. His only concern is the facility of  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB38/22

This report revisits the projects within the Council’s Levelling Up Bid, as well as presents the final draft of the Wisbech Masterplan to Cabinet.

Members considered the Levelling Up Fund – Wisbech Masterplan report presented by Councillor Seaton.

Councillor Seaton added that given the length of the document, it would be appropriate that a written response to questions following this meeting could be appended to the minutes.

Councillor Hoy said she heard that the MP for Mansfield had said that they were announcing their levelling up bids this coming Thursday, so we may hear very soon. In the meantime, she feels that generally this is a very good plan; the Boat House is not included in the bid because it is being progressed by the Investment Board, but she would ask that they know we are keen for them to include a number of items in their plan. Realistically it is not viable to include everything for that area, but there are some quite low value items, such as nice lighting along the pathways, which would look good for the town whilst being affordable. Councillor Seaton thanked Councillor Hoy for her suggestions which he said would be taken on board.

Councillor Tierney said he is always a little concerned by the term ‘Masterplan’ as it may give the public the impression that we believe it will solve all the issues in Wisbech, which is not the case. When bidding for levelling up funds, the rules we must follow are strict and limit what the money can be spent on. We are not thinking for example that a visitor centre will solve everything in Wisbech, but these are things that people think will help and improve the town overall. In his opinion it is a great set of bids, he hopes we get them all and he would just like to endorse what Councillor Hoy said about the Boathouse area. Councillor Seaton thanked Councillor Tierney, he noted what he was saying and agreed it would be ideal if the work can be done at the Boathouse. It would not solve every problem but hopefully this is the start of a journey that will enhance Wisbech.

Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Hoy and Cabinet AGREED to:

·         note the current position in relation to the Council’s LUF bid.

·         recognise the importance of the Wisbech Masterplan in the future development of funding applications and investment opportunities for the town.

·         recommend that the Wisbech masterplan is included within the next draft of the Local Plan, giving the masterplan significance for any future regeneration work developed for Wisbech.

For information purposes.

Councillor Boden presented the draft six-month Cabinet Forward Plan for information.

Councillor Mrs French commented that she is disappointed there is nothing on Civil Parking Enforcement. Discussions are ongoing between County Council; the Combined Authority and Cambridge Greater Partnership and she wonders if there is any update. Councillor Boden responded that we have been trying to get this on the agenda for a long time, but unfortunately we are waiting for County Council to progress matters.

To provide Cabinet with an update regarding ongoing work related to 11 – 12 and 24 High Street, Wisbech.

Members considered the confidential Wisbech High Street Update report presented by Councillor Seaton.

Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Hoy and Cabinet AGREED to note the current position in relation to the two significant projects in Wisbech High Street.