Agenda item

10.1

The Service Manager for Parks and Countryside introduced the report where the Committee were asked to approve an extension of the existing spending principles for Parks & Countryside’s Public Health. The funding is used to support sustaining and improving the quality of Sheffield’s green and open spaces in areas of Sheffield with the greatest health inequalities. The report also provides context relating to the use and value of green space public health funding.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Approve the extension of the spending principles for Parks & Countryside’s Public Health funding as described in this report to enable continued investment and renewal of Sheffield’s Parks and Countryside sites.

2.     Approve the spend profile for the funding as described in this report.

3.     Request an annual brief to the committee on the investment plan as specific projects and opportunities are identified

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The reason for the recommendation is to ensure public health funding for Sheffield’s parks and green spaces continues to be focused on the priority needs of targeted communities – as defined by the spending principles and that specific project proposals will be discussed with local ward councillors and brought to committee in an annual brief. This will enable the continuation of the work of the Parks and Countryside Service’s green space investment supported by public health funding to tackle green space quality and access to quality outdoor leisure facilities for communities in the most deprived areas of Sheffield. The recommendations will allow the Parks and Countryside Service to be targeted in the use of public health investment, ensuring, where possible, that return on investment is maximised, and that investments are sustainable, and consequently that benefits such as the improved health and wellbeing of communities endure for years to come.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

There is an option to not revise these principles, however, with a changing green space landscape, it is prudent to refresh these, particularly post pandemic.

10.1

The Service Manager for Parks and Countryside introduced the report where the Committee were asked to approve an extension of the existing spending principles for Parks & Countryside’s Public Health. The funding is used to support sustaining and improving the quality of Sheffield’s green and open spaces in areas of Sheffield with the greatest health inequalities. The report also provides context relating to the use and value of green space public health funding.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Approve the extension of the spending principles for Parks & Countryside’s Public Health funding as described in this report to enable continued investment and renewal of Sheffield’s Parks and Countryside sites.

2.     Approve the spend profile for the funding as described in this report.

3.     Request an annual brief to the committee on the investment plan as specific projects and opportunities are identified

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The reason for the recommendation is to ensure public health funding for Sheffield’s parks and green spaces continues to be focused on the priority needs of targeted communities – as defined by the spending principles and that specific project proposals will be discussed with local ward councillors and brought to committee in an annual brief. This will enable the continuation of the work of the Parks and Countryside Service’s green space investment supported by public health funding to tackle green space quality and access to quality outdoor leisure facilities for communities in the most deprived areas of Sheffield. The recommendations will allow the Parks and Countryside Service to be targeted in the use of public health investment, ensuring, where possible, that return on investment is maximised, and that investments are sustainable, and consequently that benefits such as the improved health and wellbeing of communities endure for years to come.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

There is an option to not revise these principles, however, with a changing green space landscape, it is prudent to refresh these, particularly post pandemic.