Decision Maker: James Barrah (Director - Assets)
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
To suspend until further notice all targeted
and community based sports and physical activity programmes
delivered by Wiltshire Council.
This decision would in other circumstances be
taken by Cabinet or the relevant Cabinet Member. However, in
circumstances where Cabinet or the relevant Cabinet Member is
unable to meet to expedite its functions in a timely manner during
the COVID-19 pandemic, this decision is being taken in accordance
with the power referred to in paragraph 1 above in consultation
with Chief Executive Officers, other Directors and the relevant
Cabinet Member. This decision will be reported to the next meeting
of Cabinet.
The background to this decision is the COVID-19 pandemic. Pertinent
to this decision is the impact of the advice from government on
self-isolation and social distancing; and, in turn, the impact of
these measures on participants, many of who have underlying health
conditions and staffing (paid and voluntary) within the sports and
physical activity services.
Get Wiltshire Walking provides 38 walks in 18 locations per week.
There are 2,500 registered walkers, supported by a team of 200+
volunteers. 65% of participants and volunteers are over 70 and fall
into the self-isolating category. The Ramblers Association to which
Get Wiltshire Walking is affiliated has suspended activity until at
least 31st May.
Ability Sports provide 10 weekly sessions to 100+ adults and
children with learning and physical disabilities each week and are
delivered in leisure centre and community settings. Community
facilities are closing their venues to the public, the participants
themselves have underlying health conditions and are required to
self-isolate and National Governing Bodies of Sport and delivery
partners are suspending activity.
Walking Sports, Healthier Communities and Live Well provide 36
weekly sessions to over 400 adults per week, 70% of whom are 70+
and will fall into the self-isolating, social distancing category.
The programme is supported by approx. 30 volunteers. Delivery
partners and National Governing Bodies of Sport have suspended
activities.
Running provides weekly beginners running sessions to targeted
people along with club engagement. England Athletics has suspended
all activity until at least 30th April 2020.
The national picture and decisions that local partners and
stakeholders are already making is limiting our ability to continue
delivery. Volunteers, staff and participants are querying whether
activities should still be taking place and many are inevitably
practicing self-isolation and social distancing themselves.
We will need to work closely with our teams on the ground,
Communications, and partner organisations and customers to ensure
the closedown plan is both coordinated and effectively communicated
to all.
The initial decision to suspend activities to indicative dates was
taken prior to the closure of our leisure facilities. In light of
the subsequent closure of Wiltshire Council and Places Leisure
operated leisure centres, the suspension of activities should fall
in line with remobilisation plans, guidance from National Governing
Bodies of Sport and partners/stakeholders.
I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the
following in line with Wiltshire Council’s
Constitution:
Key decision requirements: Yes
Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area
board(s): Yes
Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist
for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local
councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: N/A
– this decision applies county wide
Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or
procedure: N/A
Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of
consultation with the public: Consultation with the public was not
possible in light of the urgency of the decision. :
Range of options available: Yes
Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes. Customers pay
weekly for activities, but there will be an impact to revenue.
Redeployment of staff will be explored.
Risk assessment: Yes. The risks of maintaining sessions is
considerable given public health implications, reduced
staffing/volunteers and suspension of activities by other
bodies/partners. As soon as we are able to deliver sessions again,
we will.
Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors: All directors
had an opportunity to comment following the gold meeting of 18
March where the potential need to suspend was discussed. The chairs
of the community cell developed this proposal with input from
relevant heads of service.
Regional or national guidance from other bodies: The decision was
taken in light of national guidance from Public Health England and
National Governing Bodies of Sport
The council’s constitution: Yes
This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature
process: N/A
The other options considered were maintaining
the existing provision of activities. This was rejected as
impractical as well as being inconsistent with the advice from
government on social distancing.
Conflict of Interest: Not applicable
Background: Pursuant to paragraph 4 of Part 3 Section D, the Directors of Wiltshire Council are empowered to take all necessary decisions in cases of emergency. This decision is being enacted by Simon Hendey, Director of Housing and Commercial (Community Cell co-chair), using these powers in circumstances where the Director concerned believes that there is a risk of damage to property, a threat to the health or wellbeing of an individual and/or that the interests of the Council may be compromised if this decision is not otherwise taken.
Contact: Simon Hendey, Director - Assets and Commercial Development Director of Housing and Commercial Email: simon.hendey@wiltshire.gov.uk Tel: 01225 713599.
Publication date: 18/05/2020
Date of decision: 18/03/2020
Accompanying Documents: