Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director of Resources, which provided an overview of progress towards achieving the key outcomes of the council’s corporate performance framework and highlighted key messages to inform strategic priorities and work programmes for the period ending quarter three, October to December 2021 (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Kay highlighted paragraph 6. of the report, that the Council were continuing to invest in walking and cycling infrastructure and suggested that there were still areas in the west of the County that were dreadful, including Bishop Auckland.

Councillor Gunn referred to the figures regarding gym memberships and the Move Programme and noted that although the physical environment was contributing to good health, older people did not always have the ability for physical exercise.  Councillor Gunn was aware that there were various ramblers groups that could be supported in partnership with AAP’s and Councillors neighbourhood budgets, for older people who did not want to access a gym.  These would be extremely good value for money and provide a route from social isolation which in some ways could be better than going to a gym.

M Peart, Strategy Officer, advised that the Move Programme was focused on not only, gym memberships but small changes that could be made in everyday life, such as encouraging people to walk or cycle to work. 

Councillor Gunn advised that the cohort that she was referring to were older, retired and in her opinion there were ways in that they could be helped and she was aware that voluntary organisations did exist and offered a lot to their community and she wanted it to be recognised that there should be more funding provided for those type of activities.

Resolved

That the report be noted.