Newham's Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission has identified data inconsistencies within the borough's leisure services, specifically relating to membership data from the previous provider, Active Newham. These inconsistencies included how membership categories were applied and what services users were accessing.
The revelation came during a meeting on Wednesday 17 September 2025, where the commission received an update on leisure services and physical activity in Newham. Paul Lister, Head of Service for the London Region at Better (GLL), the current leisure provider, confirmed that a detailed audit had uncovered these inconsistencies during the first year of their contract.
A detailed audit during the first year of delivery had revealed inconsistencies in how membership categories were being applied and what services users were accessing,
Lister stated. The audit was conducted as part of the transition from Active Newham to Better (GLL).
Simon Reid, Director of Commissioning and Integration, added that the limitations of the previous data system had been acknowledged during the procurement process. He explained that the first year of the contract had focused on establishing a reliable baseline to rectify the data inconsistencies. This baseline will now support the development of outcomes and performance indicators, allowing the council to better monitor delivery and impact of leisure services and physical activity programs. With systems now embedded, the Council was better positioned to monitor delivery and impact.
The meeting also covered updates on emerging issues in the health and care system, and the agenda for the meeting can be found online at the Agenda frontsheet 17th-Sep-2025 Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission.
