Published on:
25
November 2013
Making Clackmannanshire Better by helping citizens to lead healthy active lives, is the aim of the Council's new Leisure and Sport Strategy.
The strategy, which was discussed at the Education, Sport & Leisure Committee, has a framework to make it easier for people in Clackmannanshire to get involved in sport and leisure activities with aims to:
- Increase participation in leisure and sport;
- Increase numbers leading more active lives;
- Improve adult health and reduce child obesity levels;
- Reduce the gap between highest and lowest life expectancy rates;
- Improve the quality of life within all our communities
The report outlines current spending on leisure and sport in Clackmannanshire, showing nearly £2m is spent. The strategy makes it clear that in the current economic climate, the Council must provide sport and leisure provision within the context of clear policy priorities, customer need and economic reality.
A consultation exercise was undertaken to help develop the strategy, with feedback from community groups, clubs, schools and the public taking place. These views showed where they felt provision was good, and where they felt further work was needed.
The strategy acknowledges that in the current climate of uncertainty, new ways of thinking are required if the Council is to continue to meet the needs and expectations of communities. The role of the Council and its partners must be seen in a new light, with personal and community responsibilities for problem solving and healthier living being more common.
The document covers the period from 2013-2015, and the future shape of leisure provision in Clackmannanshire will be subject to a review which will assess the current provision against criteria of quality, value for money and fitness for purpose. The review will also look into the capacity for other leisure provision in Clackmannanshire using the same criteria. The plans for the review will be subject to the agreement of the Council.
Changes are also planned to the management responsibility for leisure and sport within Clackmannanshire Council with the strategic lead moving to the Head of Education to ensure greater clarity of direction and accountability.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convener Ellen Forson said: "The Council wants to make Clackmannanshire better by making healthy and active living a way of life for everyone. There is already a lot of activity going across Clackmannanshire - from our Active Schools Clubs to our well used path and cycle networks and for the first time the Sports and Leisure Strategy will bring all of this together, providing a framework to make it easier for everyone to get involved in sport and leisure activities, regardless of age or ability."