Minutes

3        CONSULTATION ON COMMUNITY HUB INVESTMENT PROPOSAL - EPWORTH – The Director: Learning, Skills and Culture submitted an urgent report seeking approval to consult on proposals to create a community hub for the Epworth locality.

The council had completed investment in Scunthorpe, Barton, Brigg and Crowle to create integrated, high quality spaces for communities.  These spaces enhanced and simplified access to a wide range of information, advice, leisure, health, wellbeing and lifelong learning opportunities, together with encouraging active citizenship. This meant people were enabled to do more to achieve and maintain a good sense of wellbeing. 

As well as making best use of the council’s estate and workforce, the community hubs provided local opportunities for residents to access the services, resources and opportunities they required to live safe, well, prosperous and connected lives. The community offer was designed to improve outcomes for people by:

·       strengthening individual and community health and well-being

·       enhancing resilience and connectivity within the community

·       promoting literate communities

·       promoting community prosperity

·       enabling progression into employment

·       raising aspirations

·       supporting people when they feel vulnerable

·       improving digital access

Epworth was the remaining locality within the community hub programme. The current offer comprised a library, adults wellbeing hub and leisure centre all offering services in separate buildings – although sometimes to the same individuals.

Community access to the council offer would be simplified by bringing the offer together at one location within the Epworth locality.  This would create opportunities for better use of land and buildings in the Epworth locality to meet residents needs and support economic growth and renewal.  The single point of access would enable an integrated council, community and health offer at a single site, enabling residents with their health and wellbeing.

The council wished to engage with residents on proposals to create a community hub for Epworth.  Planned engagement would make use of digital channels as well as in person events (subject to restrictions) and enable everyone to have a voice.

The matter was urgent as the consultation was scheduled to take place on 29 July 2021.

Resolved – That the consultation for community hub proposals for Epworth, as set out in the report, be approved.