Scrutiny members received the report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer.  This noted a request by Councillor Dhindsa that there be a further opportunity to review the actions update from Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 September. 

The scrutiny committee was advised that Councillor Dhindsa’s interest related to three actions arising from the Voluntary Commissioning Framework report:

1.             Specialist language assistance – whether money previously set aside had been ring fenced and, if so, was available to provide interpretation services today.

2.             Impact of the Covid 19 lockdown on the demand for virtual activities from BAME residents:

a.             had participation levels increased or decreased during lockdown

b.             where there had been an increase, how this had this been achieved.

3.             Women only swimming – determine whether current demand supported an additional session.

It was noted that the Head of Leisure and Environment had undertaken some further research around these questions which had been circulated to all members in advance of the meeting.  The Head of Leisure and Environment was in attendance to answer members’ queries.  During discussions, a number of following-up actions were agreed:

Specialist language assistance

·               Outline the four locations used by the Citizens Advice Bureau to deliver its outreach sessions.

·               Explain how the four locations were advertised.

Impact of Covid 19 lockdown on the demand for virtual activities from BAME residents

·               Determine what monitoring data was held by Everyone Active on its members participating in virtual activities

Women only swimming

·               Explain how the women’s only swimming session was advertised – it was suggested that information on the session should be highlighted in the council’s About Watford publication and advertised in local community centres and in the Women’s Centre.

·               Review the attendance figures post Covid 19 to determine if a further session was required and was commercially viable.

Scrutiny members agreed that further discussions should take place outside the meeting between Councillor Dhindsa and the relevant officers.  The Chair offered to help facilitate these discussions.

RESOLVED –

that Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the actions update and requested further information as indicated.