Agenda item

Hampstead Heath Swimming COVID-19 Temporary Arrangements - Winter Swimming Season

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Minutes:

Members considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces setting out the COVID-19 temporary Winter Swimming Season arrangements, updating on the actions taken to implement the outcomes of the Swimming Review 2020 plus an overall 2020 summer swimming season update. The following comments were made:

 

·         The Chair stated that reopening the three swimming ponds and Lido in line with Government guidance had been incredibly challenging.

 

·         The Chair apologised for the late additional documents but felt that it was important for Members to appreciate the large amount of correspondence received from swimmers. A document summarising the feedback/representations from members of the public regarding issues relating to swimming charging, data, concessions, support scheme was circulated along with initial feedback from the Hampstead Heath Swimming Questionnaire. The Chair confirmed that the results to the review of the summer swim season, including costs and revenue, would follow at the next meeting to provide a full picture. A full end of year swim review would also take place and be reported back to the Committee.

 

·         The Superintendent advised that Officers were preparing for the winter season starting 21 September which would include the parallel introduction of season tickets and contactless payment at each facility. Cash would also continue to be accepted and the helpline would remain available to assist the public. It was noted that Lifeguards would remain at the Mixed Pond during the late warm months.

 

·         The Superintendent highlighted commentary concerning the support scheme available and the package on concessions available at the swimming facilities. The scheme offering free swimming for under 16s/over 60s at 7-9.30am had been very successful at the Lido and Officers were keen to explore this offer at the Ponds. It was noted that the timings did not align with free travel.

 

·         With regards to comments concerning prescribed swimming for health, the City Corporation has aligned with relevant groups, partnerships and Local Authorities and is working on campaigns on physical activity at the Heath.

 

·         The Superintendent noted an existing City Corporation scheme offering time credits for volunteering and was hoping to include season tickets within this offer.

 

·         The Chair advised that bids concerning swimming made through the CWP had been delayed but hoped they would be successful.

 

·         An equity test of relevance was carried out and aligned with the Option 3 decision made by this Committee during the Swim Review.

 

·         Season tickets were frozen and extended for the period of lockdown.

 

·         The Chair highlighted that unlike other swimming venues, the City Corporation had not put their prices up despite the significant loss of income due to the pandemic.

 

·         A Member, whilst supportive of the new swim charges for the safety and future sustainability of the facilities, highlighted the importance of diversity. The Member was concerned by the lack of BAME/cultural use of the facilities reflected in the stats and question how this could be improved.

 

·         Members were advised that the City Corporation had reached out to a number of groups including migrant youth groups which had some success. It was agreed more needed to be done to engage with wider groups and communities.

 

·         Members agreed that accessibility and affordability for all was key and recommended that the support scheme continue to be reviewed. The Superintendent advised that concessions were currently being reviewed across all City Corporation Open Spaces. Fees and charges would also be reviewed as part of the annual review of all costs.  

 

·         A Member was concerned that the support scheme did not go far enough to help those on a lower income and should include all individuals on benefits including Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Chair stated that it was difficult to help everyone as benefits were based on means testing but the scheme aimed to assist these groups.

 

·         Members felt there was a clear position for a campaign/marketing to attract more diverse visitors. It was agreed that cost was not the only issue and some groups may not know these facilities were available.

 

·         A Member suggested approaching City Bridge Trust for possible funding for engagement with wider groups and communities. – was this funding for engagement or to help diverse groups with the cost of swimming?

 

RESOLVED – That:-

 

·         Members agree the Support Scheme arrangements as outlined in paragraphs 30-40;

 

·         Members agree for the Chair and Deputy Chairman to have delegated authority to agree changes to the Winter Season Proposals in response to further Government Guidance.

Supporting documents: