Nikki Butterworth, Director of Neighbourhood Services, presented this report which was an update on the development of the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Wirral Leisure Services (formerly Leisure Strategy), which had been written following engagement with residents, communities, and other stakeholders. The key focus of the Strategy was to set out the priorities for sport and leisure facilities, services and activities and seeks to redress the balance between being a provider of facilities and tackling inequality through preventative, outreach, and early intervention work. It was not a statutory requirement to have a sport and physical activity strategy, but it was seen as good practice to outline the Council’s plans for leisure services for the period 2020-2025 based on the evidence base and emerging Covid-19 landscape.

Members expressed concern at the stated levels of inactivity and requested additional details about the demographics behind that and any correlation with other elements of the strategy.

Resolved – That:

(1)  the progress made in the development of the outline Sport and Physical Activity Strategy be noted.

(2)  the further development of the Strategy be presented to Committee in Autumn.