To receive questions from Members of the Council to the relevant Portfolio Holders for this Scrutiny Committee. The Portfolio Holders reporting to this Scrutiny Committee are:-
Councillor Bialyk - Leader
Councillor Morse - Portfolio Holder City Development and Planning
Councillor Parkhouse Portfolio Holder Leisure & Physical Activity
Councillor Wood - Portfolio Holder Climate Change
Councillor Wright - Portfolio Holder Arts, Culture, and Corporate Services
Advance questions from Members relating to the Portfolio Holders above should be notified to the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support.
Minutes:
In accordance with Standing Order No.20, the following questions were submitted by Councillor D. Moore in relation to the Portfolios of Councillor Parkhouse and the Leader. The questions were circulated to Members of the Committee. The responses of the Portfolio Holders were set out in italics below:-
Question from Councillor D Moore to the Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Physical Activity (Councillor Parkhouse)
Question
Why, when we are all supposed to be more inclusive of everyone in society, do I as a disabled person, have to travel outside Exeter to other towns and cities if I want to attend a "Disabled Only" swimming session?"
In support of the question, Councillor Moore advised that she had asked the question on behalf of a resident who had visited St Sidwell’s Point. She was aware that the resident had met with the Manager to discuss his experience “that there were a large number of disabled people in and around Exeter who would like to swim in the city pools but who would feel anxious, overwhelmed and even fearful of attending a public swim simply because the environment could be very busy and noisy at times. Additionally, people feel very conspicuous when they have to use a hoist or enter and exit the pool with assistance. The whole experience can very often trigger feelings of overwhelming anxiety, whereas in a "Disabled Only" swimming session the environment is much calmer, quieter and people don't feel judged or threatened when they are swimming with like-minded people.”
Answer
St Sidwell’s Point has been designed from the beginning to be fully inclusive and not segregate users at certain times, based on ability. The facilities included fully accessible changing places and rooms, toilets and wheelchair lifts and steps into the pool, were all part of the many ways where the facility had gone above and beyond.
The leisure team have listened to charities along the way for both the design of the building and facilitation of users.
Where there are other disabilities every effort was made to work to individual circumstances where practically possible. The staff have worked with users, who may feel anxious or had special requirements to adapt the service. The Centre Manager has worked with families on a one to one basis.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Moore asked if the service would be willing to work with the residents to improve their confidence whilst at St Sidwell’s Point.
The Portfolio Holder referred to the competing use of the facilities, but the team would follow up the request.
Question from Councillor D Moore –to the Leader of thr Council (Councillor Bialyk)
Question
Please can the Portfolio Holder provide and update on the repair of the Riverside Leisure Centre roof?
Answer
Elected Members have approved a £2 million capital repairs budget for leisure from April. Immediate repairs and priorities will be worked through by officers, including an updated condition survey and coordination from the Corporate Property Unit. Work on the roof of the Isca Centre would commence as soon as was practically possible and as a priority. With regards to Riverside, Exeter City Council had applied for over £6 million in funding to address both Net Zero, increased energy costs and repair issues for the roofs of both the Riverside Leisure Centre and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. The matter would be discussed by officers next week.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Moore commented on water continuing to leak through the roof of the Riverside Leisure Centre and that remained an ongoing repair issue.
The Leader responded and referred to the updated condition survey for the Riverside Leisure Centre and the opportunity to look at making the remedial works as well as achieving funding as part of the work to decarbonise the whole building. It was important to ensure that the public could continue to use the facility.