The City Mayor will answer questions raised by members of the Overview Select Committee on issues not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Minutes:
Councillor Surti asked the following question, that had been submitted in advance by a 15 year-old service user:
“There have recently been some changes to young people aged 14 – 16 being able to access gym facilities at Active Leicester. The changes mean that young people aged 14 – 16 now need to be accompanied by an adult who is a registered member which would mean parents would have to pay £24.95 per month for membership that they don’t even need or use. We also now have to pre book a slot and the slots available are all before 5pm on weekdays or early on Saturday and Sunday, which gives us little time, if any after finishing school.
My Mum contacted active Leicester who have confirmed that there was no consultation done on this and that they have followed guidance from Active UK which we feel is wrong. I have set up a petition to get this changed and currently have 37 signatures from other young people who feel as frustrated and excluded as me. I have not been back to the gym for over a month and this is having an impact on my mental and physical health. And I am sure I am not the only young person who is feeling the same. Please can you explain the rationale behind the decision, why children and young people weren’t consulted and can this decision be reviewed?”
In responding to this question, the City Mayor made the following points:
- Having sought guidance from Active UK, he felt that some improvements were needed in respect of the City Council’s arrangements for requiring supervision of 14-16 year olds in gym facilities.
- He understood the concerns lodged by the service user, though reported that he had been advised that unsupervised access for those under the age of 16 was undesirable as some equipment was potentially dangerous.
- Some other providers did not permit under 16s to access their facilities at all.
- Sports Services scheduled dedicated gym sessions for 14-16 though the City Mayor stated that he was unsure whether these took place at the most suitable times for service users and parents.
- Parental supervision did not have to be via a monthly membership subscription and could be paid for per session.
The City Mayor stated he would follow up with officers whether alternative approaches could be explored and would respond to Cllr Surti and the questioner.
In response to a further question raised by Councillor Porter during the meeting with regard to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, the City Mayor confirmed that he had recently written to the Labour Leader expressing a view that the government and opposition should be calling for a cease fire in the Middle East. He also made reference to the recent vigil at the Town Hall event held in memory of those who had lost their lives in the conflict.
AGREED:
That in respect of the question regarding parental supervision at City Council gym facilities, the City Mayor and officers be asked to review whether alternative approaches could be explored.