The Mayor noted and agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the report.

DECISION

1.    Note the progress made to create and launch the Be Well Leisure Service.

2.    Endorse the approach to develop the Be Well Leisure Service in 2024/25.

3.    Authorise the Programme Director for Leisure to produce a revised programme budget for 2024/25 within the financial limit of the approved budget.

4.    Note the Be Well Leisure Service 10-year revenue financial model including projections for an operating revenue surplus from year four.

5.    Note the progress on the asset condition surveys, the building dilapidations work, repairs undertaken by GLL and the leisure assets capital investment requirements for the next 10-years and support officers to develop proposals as part of the MTFS.

6.    Note the £3.65 million Be Well leisure assets capital programme for 2024/25 and authorise the Programme Director for Leisure to implement and amend the programme as required.

7.    Note and comment on the key risks and mitigating actions to manage those risks.

8.    Support the Be Well Leisure Service to maximise benefits from synergies with other council teams including Public Health and Workpath to reflect the council’s strategic priorities.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES TITLE (S. BAXTER,)

Programme Director – Leisure (K. Townsend)

The Mayor noted and agree the reasons for urgency as set out in the report.

Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, introduced the report that provided an updated position in respect of the insourcing of the Be Well Leisure Service that returned in-house on 1^st May 2024. Councillor Hussain explained that the report set out what has been achieved to date to ensure the effective mobilisation of the new council service, details of the project management structure, risk management arrangements and high level risk profile, the key activities for the coming year coordinated by the Leisure Programme Board to further develop the service over the next 12 months now it is in-house. The report also identified the capital funding requirements as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and sets out the 10-year financial revenue model projected for the service.

Simon Baxter, (Corporate Director Public Realm), provided detail on future leisure plans, which included state-of-the-art facilities, housing accommodation to meet the borough's needs, and opportunities for income generation to boost commercial viability. By leveraging assets, the Council aims to enhance resident offerings, drive income generation, and maximize asset utilization to create a stronger and more prosperous community environment.

Keith Townsend, (Insourcing Leisure Project Director) explained how the rationale for change in Tower Hamlets' health and leisure services is data-driven, aligning with residents' feedback and broader organisational goals like public health and employment initiatives. He explained some of the key outcomes to date, including the opening of leisure centres, bringing in new staff, and enhancing facility conditions through repairs. A comprehensive 10-year investment plan aimed to improve the leisure estate, supported by a revenue model anticipating budget surplus by year 4. Robust governance structures would ensure effective risk management.

The Mayor and Cabinet members expressed excitement at the new leisure insourcing journey and the accompanying capital program aimed at delivering new leisure centres and services accessible to the Tower Hamlets community, which it was hoped would address health inequality.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet

1. Notes the progress made to create and launch the Be Well Leisure Service.

2. Endorses the approach to develop the Be Well Leisure Service in 2024/25.

3. Authorises the Programme Director for Leisure to produce a revised programme budget for 2024/25 within the financial limit of the approved budget.

4. Notes the Be Well Leisure Service 10-year revenue financial model including projections for an operating revenue surplus from year four.

5. Notes the progress on the asset condition surveys, the building dilapidations work, repairs undertaken by GLL and the leisure assets capital investment requirements for the next 10-years and support officers to develop proposals as part of the MTFS.

6. Notes the £3.65 million Be Well leisure assets capital programme for 2024/25 and authorise the Programme Director for Leisure to implement and amend the programme as required.

7. Notes and comment on the key risks and mitigating actions to manage those risks.

8. Supports the Be Well Leisure Service to maximise benefits from synergies with other council teams including Public Health and Workpath to reflect the council’s strategic priorities.