Agenda and minutes

Councillor Trumble substituted for Councillor Pulfer and Councillor Hicks substituted for Councillor Sparasci.  

Apologies were received from Councillors Boutrup, Cartwright, Pulfer and Sparasci.

Councillor Gibson declared an interest in Item 6: Mid Sussex Wellbeing Annual Report, as he is a Member of West Sussex County Council.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman had no urgent business.

Judy Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive, introduced the report, noting it was an annual

update on the work of the Mid Sussex Wellbeing Service, which has been providing

a health and wellbeing service to residents since 2011 commissioned by West Sussex County Council.

Members discussed the number and different types of referrals to the service, specifically clarity on referral breakdowns and the Wellbalanced Falls Prevention Programme level of referrals. The Community Services Manager confirmed the type of referral routes and confirmed Care Home referrals are not dealt with directly with the service, these are received from health care professionals only.

A Member asked for clarification on MDSC’s financial contributions into the service and return on investments to enable consideration to endorse the continued delivery of the Wellbeing Service for 2022/23. The Community Services Manager confirmed the provisional budget £1,836m is a Public Health Grant allocated to the whole county. MSDC contributes £89,000 towards staffing costs. 

Councillor Webster, Cabinet Member for Community noted the number of studies nationwide focusing on fall prevention, the cost to the NHS and impact to quality of life. The work of the Wellbeing Service has helped improve these, with the follow up work of the team and positive feedback from residents. The Deputy Chief Executive, noted MSDC are commissioned by WSCC to deliver these services under a partnership agreement, within this, outcomes are measured at a high level across all districts. 

The Chairman thanked officers for the delivery of the service.

The recommendations were moved from the Chairman and Members were asked to

vote, which was agreed unanimously with 13 in favour.

RESOLVED 

The Scrutiny Committee: 

-                (i) Noted the performance of the Wellbeing Service in 2021/22;

-               (ii) Considered and endorsed the proposed approach for the continued    delivery of the Wellbeing Service for 2022/23.

Louise Duffield, Director of Resources and Organisational Development gave a brief overview on the complex commercial negotiations underway with the current provider Places Leisure (PL). She advised officers would endeavour to provide as much information as possible to Members.

Rob Anderton, Assistant Director of Commercial Services and Contracts introduced the report.

Members discussed the impact of rising energy costs on the provision of the leisure centres and the use and investment in alternative energy sources.

A Member sought clarity on whether MSDC influence the pricing structures at the leisure centres. The Assistant Director of Commercial Services and Contracts confirmed MDSC control some and the remainder are managed by PL. He would provide details on the pricing structure as requested.

Councillor De Mierre emphasised it was important to note the return to income from PL and the health and wellbeing benefits of the leisure centres to residents.

As there were no further questions the recommendation was moved from the Chairman and Members were asked to vote, which was agreed unanimously with 13 in favour.

RESOLVED

The Scrutiny Committee:

-               The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Louise Duffield, Director of Resources and Organisational Development, introduced the report which set out the schedule of business for the remainder of 2022/23.

The Chairman moved to the vote to note the report which was agreed unanimously with 13 in favour.

RESOLVED

The Scrutiny Committee:

-           The Scrutiny Committee noted the Committee’s Work Programme for 2022/23   as set out at paragraph 5 of the report.

None.