The report proposes to consider and support the recommendations from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out in paragraph 15 of this report, and adopt the Physical Activity Strategy.

1.      That the recommendation from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that the Council takes strong action to access money to support the delivery of the Strategy via Bedfordshire and Luton County Sports Partnership and the Health and Wellbeing Board, be supported.

2.      That the Physical Activity Strategy be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that set out the proposed Physical Activity Strategy which, if approved would become Chapter 4 of the Leisure Strategy.   The Strategy sought to maximise the opportunities for residents to engage in regular physical activity partly for long term improvements in overall levels of health and wellbeing and reduce the demands on public services.

In the ensuing discussion, it was suggested that the Council should encourage and facilitate residents taking up gardening as part of the strategy.  The Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services explained that some town and parish councils were already looking for additional land to facilitate this activity.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to have a strategic approach to the provision of and opportunities for physical activity.

RESOLVED

1.      that the recommendation from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that the Council takes strong action to access money to support the delivery of the Strategy via Bedfordshire and Luton County Sports Partnership and the Health and Wellbeing Board, be supported; and

2.      that the Physical Activity Strategy be adopted.