Active Bradford is a partnership of agencies from across the District that are committed to working together to increase the number of people being active and playing sport across the Bradford District.

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “R”) which is the final version of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy Strategic Framework which has a vision to create a ‘healthy and prosperous Bradford where everyone chooses to make physical activity and sport an every day part of their lives’.

The committee is asked to endorse the finalised version of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy Strategic framework following consultation.

Recommended –

Those Members of the Committee endorse Active Bradford’s Strategic Framework for Physical Activity and Sport

(Phil Barker – 01274 432616)

Active Bradford is a partnership of agencies from across the District that are committed to working together to increase the number of people being active and playing sport across the Bradford District.

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “R”) which was the final version of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy Strategic Framework which had a vision to create a ‘healthy and prosperous Bradford where everyone chose to make physical activity and sport an every day part of their lives’.

The committee was asked to endorse the finalised version of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy Strategic framework following consultation.

Following a synopsis of the report, a question and answer session ensued:

·         In order to create a healthier population in Bradford a legacy had to be designed to pull the citizens towards fitness. How was the service intending to pursue this goal?

o   There has always been a slight struggle with people who were not keen in participating in sporting activities. The Government had embarked on a new strategy known as ‘Inactive People’ and other high level sporting activity showcases such as Tour De France would give people the incentive to become part of a sporting legacy nevertheless this was a significant challenge;

·         What were the mechanisms behind engaging with people who were not involved?

o   There were various interventions taking place and every measure available was being addressed and being built in the process;

·         Had the Wibsey ward been reached?

o   Every area of Bradford was part of the process and this was a slow transition;

·         How were schools being engaged?

o   An Active Schools Group had been created in October 2016 for the sole purpose of engaging with schools. School Sports Partnerships across the District have been retained delivering services to schools, especially primary schools which have had an injection of around £1.5m government funding for PE and school sport each year;

·         In addition to school children, how was the young population of Bradford being made to show an interest in the pursuit of a healthy living?

o   Bicycles had been donated to young people free of charge. In the meantime there were playgrounds, parks and a further 500 young people of all backgrounds in Keighley had participat in a cross country run;

·         Not much had changed over the last 5 years and now with the reduction of resources how was the service intending to increase numbers of participants? For people to become active there was the element of a behavioural context. Yes, there was the issue of less funding but there was no reason that the right message could not be delivered to the people to get more active;

During the discussion the Committee , Portfolio Holder and officers made the following comments:

• A significant amount of positive work was being undertaken for the purpose of delivering opportunities to all residents of Bradford;
• There had also been the issue of women and sports therefore this was another obstacle being hurdled by engaging with teachers, GP surgeries, activity leaders of all areas to motivate women into the area of sports;
• Obtaining the assistance of charities was another vehicle to assist in driving the agenda forward;
• The Council was drawing back on resources hence the district would be left with fewer physical resources every year;
• There had been no significant change in the area of sports in Bradford and therefore this agenda could be viewed as another paper exercise.

o   In response to comment, it was stated that in order to get people active there had to be a behavioural change. Of course the fact that there were a less resources available but this was no reason for people not to exercise.

·         Women were least likely to get involved especially from minority communities and required motivating significantly through schools, leaders of communities and GP Surgeries. If GP Surgeries prescribed activities then this would be a great impact. The Bradford population was growing faster and this was a long term strategy. Even if schools had a lack of resources then this should not be the cause of no sporting activities for children;

·         Occasionally sports could be considered only for the wealthier because following primary school, children in there secondary years had to pay for the cost of attending clubs such as football, rugby and the not so wealthy unable to afford the costs associated;

·         Bikes could be rented directly from two train stations in the district. Either Bradford Interchange train station or Shipley Train Station. You had to register first on the Bike & Go website, then the member would be given a card and pay a small subscription. This scheme was run by one of the Rail operators and it was another factor towards a healthy lifestyle. The idea of building on this resource would be a big step towards making significant developments in behavioural change.

The Chair concluded the discussion of the item by stating that there was the importance of breaking down barriers within communities in order to drive this agenda forward and the key focus was to promote sporting activities throughout Bradford leaving no stone unturned in the process, therefore:

Resolved –

(1)       That the Active Bradford’s Strategic Framework for Physical Activity and Sport be welcomed and endorsed.

(2)       That the Active Bradford Draft Delivery Plan be presented to Members in the municipal year 2017-18.

ACTION: Strategic Director of Place