Agenda and draft minutes

None.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

Members welcomed Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing, to the meeting to examine his portfolio.

Councillor Wheeler delivered a presentation providing an update on key areas within his portfolio, including leisure service performance, the Carlton Active proposals, existing leisure facilities and the Council’s health and wellbeing services.

Members heard that the Council’s leisure facilities continued to attract significant numbers of users through swimming lessons, leisure memberships and specialist schemes, including memberships for members of the Armed Forces and care leavers. Although performance remained strong, attendance had been affected by temporary problems with the swimming pool at Calverton Leisure Centre and competition from a new private gym in Arnold.

The Portfolio Holder provided an update on Carlton Active and advised that the proposals had been informed by more than 2,250 consultation responses, stakeholder workshops and engagement with residents, leisure users, health partners and organisations representing people with disabilities and additional needs. Members heard that the proposed facility had been designed to improve accessibility and safety through measures including step-free access, specialist accessible facilities, a pool pod, quiet areas, CCTV and appropriate staff supervision.

Members were advised that the swimming pools, fitness facilities and health and wellbeing services currently provided at Carlton Forum would transfer to Carlton Active. The Council was working with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Redhill Academy Trust to explore the retention of the existing sports hall for school, club and community use. However, the future management arrangements had not yet been agreed, and there was no equivalent commitment to retain the existing squash court.

The Portfolio Holder also outlined the work being undertaken through Gedling Health to support residents with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, obesity, cancer recovery, Parkinson’s disease and mobility difficulties. The programmes were delivered with GPs, NHS services, physiotherapists, social prescribing link workers and community organisations. Members viewed examples of participants describing improvements to their balance, mobility, physical health and wellbeing.

Members heard that maintaining ageing leisure facilities remained a significant operational and financial challenge. Updates were provided on planned roof repairs and gym improvements at Redhill Leisure Centre, while the proposed Carlton Active facility would incorporate modern energy and sustainability measures. Officers also informed Members that Gedling Health had been shortlisted for a Gym Innovation Award at the National Fitness Awards.

The Chair then gave Members the opportunity to ask questions.

Members asked how the design of Carlton Active would address the privacy and personal safety of women and girls, particularly within the proposed mixed changing village.

The Portfolio Holder and officers advised that changing cubicles would incorporate anti-peep measures, including floor-to-ceiling barriers. The group changing provision would be flexible and could be adapted for use as gender-specific changing facilities if required. Communal showers and private shower cubicles would also be provided. Officers added that privacy and safety would be supported through staff training, safeguarding arrangements and clear expectations regarding customer behaviour.

Members asked whether the sports hall and squash court at Carlton Forum would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Verbal update delivered by the Chief Digital and Customer Officer.

The Chief Digital and Customer Officer delivered a presentation providing an update on Local Government Reorganisation following earlier briefings provided to Members.

Members were advised that, on 7 September 2026, the Secretary of State had announced the withdrawal of Local Government Reorganisation decisions in four areas and a pause and rapid review in 14 other areas, including Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The decision previously announced for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire had therefore been paused rather than withdrawn.

Officers explained that the reasons given for the review included the need to ensure that the process was robust, legally compliant and capable of taking account of representations concerning the approach and pace of reorganisation.

Members heard that the Government remained committed to Local Government Reorganisation and the creation of unitary councils. It was emphasised that the programme had not been withdrawn in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and that the Government intended to complete its review at pace.

It was noted that elections would take place in May 2027 on the existing council boundaries. This differed from the previous expectation that elections would be held for shadow unitary authorities. Officers advised that Members elected in May 2027 would ordinarily serve four-year terms unless a subsequent structural change order provided otherwise.

Officers advised that the nine councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire had continued to work collaboratively and would maintain appropriate joint working during the review period.

Members heard that the scope, duration and likely outcome of the Government’s review were not yet known. There was also no confirmed revised timetable for Local Government Reorganisation or clarity regarding the extent and pace of future local activity.

Officers explained that the uncertainty created challenges for procurement, contract renewal, recruitment and workforce retention. However, the Government had confirmed that “decision-neutral” preparatory work could continue and that work already undertaken had not been wasted.

The Chair asked for an example of decision-neutral activity.

Officers explained that work to identify existing digital systems, suppliers, data and customer requirements could continue because such information would be required regardless of the eventual structure of the new authority. Preparatory work to understand what would be required to maintain services from the first day of any new arrangements could also continue.

Officers confirmed that the Council remained focused on delivering its current priorities while further clarity was awaited.

RESOLVED:

To note the update on Local Government Reorganisation.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Democratic Services Manager introduced a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, setting out Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Fly Tipping, Litter and Waste Management Working Group.

Members were advised that Cabinet had accepted the recommendations, with Recommendation 9, concerning CCTV and other enforcement tools, accepted in part because of the associated financial and resource implications.

It was noted that Cabinet’s responses referred to a number of actions and areas of collaborative working that were already underway. Officers would continue to share the recommendations with the relevant service areas, including the Communications and Environmental Services teams, and support their implementation.

Members were advised that the Committee would review progress against the recommendations after approximately six months, with an update provisionally expected in March 2027.

Members welcomed Cabinet’s positive response and looked forward to the agreed recommendations being implemented alongside the Council’s other ongoing responsibilities.

RESOLVED:

To note Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Fly Tipping, Litter and Waste Management Working Group.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Democratic Services Manager introduced a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, providing an update on the Scrutiny Work Programme.

Members were advised that, in view of the uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation, it would be appropriate to retain the existing work programme for the time being. A further Local Government Reorganisation update was scheduled for January 2027, by which time it was hoped that additional information would be available.

It was noted that partner organisations and Portfolio Holders had been confirmed for forthcoming meetings through to the end of the municipal year. The next meeting was scheduled to include the annual scrutiny report, an update on the Council’s artificial intelligence policy and an update on carbon management. The Corporate Risk Management Review would also continue to be reported to the Committee following its consideration by the Audit Committee.

Members asked whether suitable polling stations had been identified for the May 2027 elections, particularly given that the Richard Herrod Centre would no longer be available.

The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that a review of polling stations would be undertaken and that any necessary changes would be reported to a future Council meeting.

Members agreed that the existing work programme was already substantial and should remain unchanged for the time being. It was noted that the Committee may need to respond flexibly to future announcements concerning Local Government Reorganisation.

Members also noted that, if the Council continued to operate beyond the previously anticipated timescale, there may be opportunities to establish a further scrutiny working group.

The potential impact of artificial intelligence on Council operations was suggested as one possible area for more detailed review, although Members agreed that this should be considered after the scheduled artificial intelligence policy update.

RESOLVED:

To note the Scrutiny Work Programme.

None.