Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests.

To note the minutes of the last meeting of the former Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services held on 14^th December 2015.

The minutes of the former Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services were noted.

Report of the Executive Director of People

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Executive Director of Place, which set out proposals for the re-launch of the Passport to Leisure and Learning, to include an online application process.

The report indicated that the Passport to Leisure and Learning (PTLL) scheme was a concessionary scheme primarily for Coventry residents who were eligible for a means tested benefit.  The aim of the scheme being to increase accessibility and encourage participation in learning and leisure opportunities across Coventry.

The current take up of the PTLL scheme was extremely low, with only 1,548 cards in circulation and valid.  Consultation on the scheme took place in 2013 and indicated that the current application and renewal system was expensive, outdated and bureaucratic.  The process involved completing a lengthy manual application / renewal form and providing suitable identification alongside eligibility / benefit verification.

The Council could not accurately quantify how many residents in the City would be eligible for the PTLL scheme due to Data Protection rules within the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).

There were 34,507 homes in the City that were in receipt of either a Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support payment via the Council’s internal Benefits and Revenues Team.  Citizens receiving Housing Tax Benefit and Council Tax Support would meet the eligibility criteria for the PTLL scheme and it was recommended that these homes be targeted as part of a re-launch of the PTLL Scheme.

Coventry residents on other qualifying benefits which were registered with the DWP would be able to apply for the PTLL card through an online application process.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member approves:-

1.  That the Council distributes Passport to Leisure and Learning cards to the 34,607 households in Coventry that currently received Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

2.  The Passport to Leisure and Learning scheme will be free of charge, verification of proof of benefits will not be required and cards issued will be valid until a unified card is implemented.

3.  All other residents who are eligible for Passport to Leisure and Learning scheme through alternative qualifying benefits will have the opportunity to apply for a card through an online application process.

4.  The Passport to Leisure and Learning card will be issued to all foster carers, looked after children and any children that are deemed to be at risk in Coventry.

5.  A project team is established, to include all stakeholders, which will examine the feasibility of a unified concession card for all Coventry residents.

6.  That a 6-month progress report on the uptake of the re-launched Passport to Leisure and Learning scheme be submitted to the Cabinet Member.

There were no other items of public business.