Decision details

To update the Leader as to the changes necessary to Council services as a result of the Government’s announcement that Nottinghamshire will move into Tier 4 of the Coronavirus restrictions  as set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (“the Regulations”) from  12:01 31st December 2020.

To seek authorisation from the Leader to close various Council facilities as will be required by the Regulations and as detailed in this report.

THAT the Leader of the Council:

1)   Authorises the temporary closure of the Council’s Leisure Centres from 31 December 2020, save for the use of any of the centres for school activities as detailed in the report.

2)   Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Arnold Market to agree any necessary restrictions on the operation of Arnold Market to ensure compliance with the Regulations as detailed in this report.

3)   Delegates authority to the relevant Director in consultation with the Leader of the Council to reopen the facilities closed as a result of the Regulations, once permitted by further regulation.

4)   Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Leisure Services to take all necessary operational decisions and measures to facilitate the closure of Leisure facilities.

5)   Delegates authority to the relevant Director in consultation with the Leader of the Council to take all operational decisions and measures in relation to Council facilities, including the future closure and reopening of such facilitates, as required to comply with any future Covid-19 regulations.

To ensure compliance with the Regulations.

There is no alternative to closure of these facilities as to keep them open would be contrary to the Regulations, (save where certain exceptions apply) and may lead to enforcement action being taken against the Council. Leisure Centres can continue to provide facilities in respect of education, for example school swimming lessons and for use by persons with a disability. However this is not viable as would require the premises to remain open for only very limited demand.

The decision could be taken to close Arnold Market, however this would be going beyond the requirements of the Regulations and is disproportionate provided the stalls operating are regulated to ensure compliance with the Regulations.