Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Sanders and Leaseholder Representative Diane Best. 

To approve the minutes of the meeting on 1 July 2010.

The minutes of the 1 July 2010 meeting were approved and signed as a correct record.

Members are asked to declare at this stage any interests that they may have in an item shown on this agenda. If any member of the Committee is unsure whether or not they should declare an interest on a particular matter, they should seek advice from the Head of Legal Services before the meeting.

 

Councillor	Item	Interest
Brown	10/73/CS	Personal: Associated with Cambridge Climbing Club
Brown	10/67/CS	Personal: Member of Ravensworth Gardens Residents Association

Proposals for the improvement and enhancement of Cherry Hinton Hall

 

Andrew Varley (Founder and Chairman of the City Farm Project) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        The Cherry Hinton Hall Masterplan and the City Farm proposal shared many common goals and aspirations. 

·        A City Farm on this site would increase biodiversity and offer year round benefits to the whole community – engaging with both adults and children.

·        The following organisations had agreed to help and support the City Farm Project:

-         Cambridge International School

-         SureStart

-         The Probation Trust

·        The City Farm Project welcomed the officer’s report and the suggestion for a feasibility study.

 

 

Rowan Lawrance (Spitafields City Farm Project and Environmental Advisor) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        The Spitafields City Farm Project included the following:

-         Sensory gardens

-         A wildlife corridor 

-         Volunteering opportunities

-         Small animals section

·        Benefits of a City Farm Project include:

-         Increased exercise and health benefits

-         Ability to interact and engage with local schools

-         Sharing knowledge of outdoor living and agriculture

·        City Farms were generally run as non-profit organisations and/or charities with a board of Trustees and advisors.

·        City Farms were very flexible and could be designed around a variety of different spaces.

 

 

Two pupils from The Spinney Primary School addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        It would be beneficial for school children to have access to a City Farm and to learn about animals and growing produce.

·        A City Farm at Cherry Hinton Hall would be easily accessible for a number of local schools and include a children’s playground.

·        Local school children could help out on the City Farm and sponsor some of the animals.

·        Local meat and produce could be sold in the City Farm shop.

 

 

Ian Hosking (Advisor for the City Farm Project) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        A City Farm would provide excellent education benefits for local children and was supported by the Faculty for Education.

·        Whilst resident’s fears should be acknowledged they could be addressed by partnership working, planning and taking a progressive approach to the project.

·        A feasibility study would be the best way forward.

 

 

Bob Daines (Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        The Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall had over 300 members that had worked closely with the City Council to develop the Masterplan.

·        The former Propagation Centre should be incorporated back into the park and once again be public open space.

·        The Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall supported the idea of a City Farm but feel that this would be the wrong location.

·        A City Farm in this location may encourage further vandalism.

 

 

Councillor Newbold (Secretary of The Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        The Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall took a very active part in the consultation process – delivering leaflets and engaging with members of the public.

·        Some members of The Friends of Cherry Hinton Hall have shown support for the idea of a City Farm and some have not.

·        A feasibility study would be the best way forward.

 

Cambridge Allotments – A Management Policy

 

Caroline Worthy (Secretary and Vice Chair of the Cambridge Central Council of Allotments Societies) addressed the committee and made the following points:

 

·        The City Council should be congratulated for their approach to a Management Policy for allotments.

·        A good working relationship and regular meetings between the City Council and the Independent Allotment Holders Societies was essential.

·        External funding for improvements to allotments may be difficult to obtain.

·        Benchmarking for the maintenance of allotment sites had to be achievable and not set unrealistic expectations.

·        As allotments were only allocated for a maximum of 12 months (not permanently) the draft allocation policy for growth sites needed to be reworded to reflect this.

 

The Chair thanked the public speakers for their contributions and officers noted their comments.

Under paragraph 4.2.1 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chair used his discretion to alter the order of business. However, for ease of the reader, these minutes will follow the order of the agenda.

The Scrutiny Committee excluded members of the public and the press for the following item: Seymour Court Scheme Approval. 

 

The public and the press were excluded on the grounds that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of information defined as exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. 

Matter for decision: Redevelopment of Seymour Court with new Affordable Housing being retained by the Council and managed by City Homes.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

 

·         Approved the redevelopment of Seymour Court as a mixed tenure development with the Affordable Housing to be retained by the Council and managed by City Homes, noting the comments of the Housing Management Board held on 28 September 2010.

 

·         Agreed to only pursue the current approval to sell Seymour Court to a housing association under a long lease, if a mixed tenure development with the Affordable Housing to be retained by the Council and managed by City Homes was not financial viable

 

·         Approved that delegated authority be given to the Director of Customer and Community Services following consultation with the Director of Resources and the Head of Legal Services to sign a Development Agreement with a single house-builder/developer partner in respect of a scheme to redevelop Seymour Court.

 

·         Agreed that this approval was subject to the approval of a scheme at a special meeting of the Community Services Committee in November 2010.

 

Reason for the Decision: This forms part of the Council’s overall programme to modernise its sheltered housing.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Head of Housing Strategy. 

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous).

 

The Executive Councillor for Housing approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Procurement of a private sector leasing scheme via a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partner to help the Council discharge its duty to provide homeless households with temporary accommodation under part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (sections 188 and 193).

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

 

·        Authorised officers to enter into a contract with a PSL provider in 2011, subject to a tender process, for a period of five years with an option to extend the contract for a further two years

 

Reason for the Decision: The Council is now required by its Contract Procedure Rules to put this service out to tender.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Housing Options and Homeless Manager.

 

The Executive Councillor for Housing welcomed the report and reiterated the importance of decreasing the amount time people spend in temporary accommodation.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous). 

 

The Executive Councillor for Housing approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Annual report on performance of the Community Wellbeing Partnership against their LAA targets.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

 

·        Considered the 2009/10 year-end performance against the LAA indicators that had been assigned to the Community Wellbeing Partnership.

 

·        Took on board any issues or suggestions raised by the Scrutiny Committee for further action that the partnership should consider to improve performance against the indicators.

 

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Environmental Health Manager. 

 

In response to member’s questions it was confirmed that the Council was a key partner in Cambridgeshire Together and worked closely with the Primary Care Trust, NHS Cambridgeshire and CAMQUIT. It was also noted that the City Council did not contribute to NI 131 (Delayed transfers of care from hospital), and that this would not have been under the remit of the previously proposed Health Improvement officer.   

 

Councillor Brown, as the council’s representative on the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel, agreed to request further information at the next meeting regarding the referral rates of council officers. 

 

The Executive Councillor for Housing highlighted the excellent work undertaken by Kick Ash in local schools to encourage children not to take up smoking. 

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report.

 

The Executive Councillor for Housing approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to recommend a change in the appointment to the outside body listed below.  

 

The Executive Councillor for Community Development & Health, will be asked to agree the appointments.

 

Addenbrooke’s Board of Governors (1)

Nomination: Cllr Swanson

 

 

Matter for decision: Appointment of a representative to sit on the Addenbrookes Board of Governors

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health:

 

·        To appoint Councillor Swanson to sit on the Addenbrookes Board of Governors.

 

Reason for the Decision: N/A

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: N/A 

 

Scrutiny Considerations: There was no debate on this item.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Review of future funding for the Safer City Grant Programme which was set up to reduce crime and the fear of crime, and anti-social behaviour. 

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health:

 

·        Agreed to support the continuation of the Safer City Grants programme in both capital and revenue.

 

·        Agreed to continue to fund both Safer City capital and revenue grant programmes, but at a reduced level of £17,000 for capital and £24,000 per annum for revenue. 

 

Reason for the Decision: In view of the current government cuts and the general review of all City Council grant pots, it was agreed that both revenue and capital grants would be reviewed. 

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations: There was no debate on this item.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Annual report on performance of the Cambridgeshire Children's Trust Board against their LAA targets.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health:

 

·        Considered the 2009/10 year-end performance against the LAA indicators that had been assigned to the Cambridgeshire Children's Trust Board

 

·        Took on board any issues or suggestions raised by the Scrutiny Committee for further action that the partnership should consider to improve performance against the indicators.

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Director of Customer and Community Services.

 

In response to member’s questions the Head of Community Development stated that due to the influence of central government and the need to work in partnerships locally, he was optimistic that Area Partnerships would grow in significance over the coming year. 

 

It was also noted that progress towards NI 117 (16-18 Not in Education, Employment or Training: NEET) had been affected by the uncertainties around resources and budgets. The latest figures from August 2009 – August 2010 did however indicate a drop in numbers.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report.

 

The Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Annual report on performance of the Safer and Stronger Partnership against their LAA targets.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health:

 

·        Considered the 2009/10 year-end performance against the LAA indicators that had been assigned to the Safer and Stronger Partnership

 

·        Took on board any issues or suggestions raised by the Scrutiny Committee for further action that the partnership should consider to improve performance against the indicators.

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Strategy Officer.

 

In response to a request by Councillor Al Bander the Strategy Officer agreed to provide some further information on how the Community Safety Partnership linked with the Cambridgeshire Probation Service.

 

In response to member’s questions it was confirmed that a balanced approach, looking at both treatment and prevention, was being taken to tackle the misuse of legal and illegal substances. The Alcohol Action Group was also working closely with the City Council and other multi-agency groups.

 

A member raised concern about the apparent increase in public drug abuse and was informed that the two Streetlife Officers would be responsible for monitoring and dealing with any criminal or anti-social behaviour.

 

In response to a request by Councillor Walker the Strategy Officer agreed to provide some further information on the new body responsible for tackling domestic violence.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report.

 

The Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Whether to allow Arts & Recreation to invite competitive tenders for production services for forthcoming Folk Festivals. The Production services to be tendered for comprise of Porta Cabins, Toilets & Showers, Sound and Marquees.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Authorised the Head of Arts and Recreation to tender for a contractors to provide services for the Folk Festival. These services comprised of marquees, sound, toilets/showers & porta cabins. Total value of the contracts was estimated at up to £500,000.

 

·        Authorised the Head of Arts and Recreation to award the contracts to the most favourable tenders, in accordance with pre-determined selection criteria.

 

Reason for the Decision: The current contracts for Folk Festival provision have expired.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations: There was no debate on this item.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Approval of the Masterplan looking at the future usage, needs, and likely improvements needed at Cherry Hinton Hall.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Approved the following components of the Masterplan as set out at paragraph 4.5 of the officers report:

 

-         The removal of existing planting to the front of the Hall to open up views of the building. A historical arrangement will be restored with a gravel forecourt and parterre rose garden;

-         Restoration of lake area to promote the biodiversity of both the water and surrounding fauna;

-         Incorporation of pond dipping platform, seating, barbecue area and kingfisher reflection area which has pre-approved funding via the Children’s and Youth Participation Service;

-         Re-alignment of existing pathways and incorporation of new paths to the perimeter to create a circular route;

-         To open out the central area incorporating into public space including a café facility, performance space and soft landscape;

-         The relocation of the current toilet provision to a more appropriate and accessible position; and

-         To further consider the current building in the centre compound and create a new community facility with the construction more in keeping with the Hall building itself.

 

·        Instructed officers to undertake a project appraisal of the Masterplan for future consideration by Community Services Scrutiny Committee.

 

·        Authorised officers to deliver the ChYpPS2 Big Lottery funded elements of the plan around the pond area.

 

·        Supported the principal of a City Farm and instructed officers to work with the City Farm Project to prepare a feasibility study to identify the most appropriate location for a City Farm within the City.

 

 

·        Agreed to liaise with the Folk Festival project team to integrate the Masterplan with operational requirements of the Folk Festival.

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Green Spaces Manager.

 

The Green Spaces manager tabled the following amendment to recommendation d) (changes underlined):

 

Recommendation d) Support the principal of a City Farm and instruct officers to work with the City Farm Project to prepare a feasibility study to identify the most appropriate location for a City Farm within the City.

 

Members supported the amendments to recommendation d).

 

 

In response to member’s concern about the effect of any changes at Cherry Hinton Hall on the Folk Festival, the Green Spaces Manager confirmed that the organisers had been fully consulted on the Masterplan. The flexible and fluid nature of the Folk Festival site meant that, with ongoing discussions, any layout issues could be addressed.

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation thanked the public speakers for their contribution and reiterated his support for a feasibility study.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the amended recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous).

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Approval of a Management Policy, which highlighted the value and role of allotments managed by the Council in contributing to corporate Medium Term Objectives and the guiding principles of the Cambridge Environmental Framework.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Approved the Management Policy and its recommendations

·        Instructed Officers to develop an action plan to deliver the Management Policy’s objectives, with a priority focused on addressing supply and demand

·        Instructed Officers to develop further the Allotment Management Procedures

·        Approved the amended allocations policy for new provision in major growth sites.

 

Reason for the Decision: The Management Policy would provide the Council with a strategic approach to the management of its allotment assets.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Green Spaces Manager.

 

Following advice from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, the Green Spaces Manager tabled amendments to the following sections of Appendix A of the officer’s report: Draft allotment allocations policy for growth sites (amendments underlined):

 

Section:

 

2.2 During the build out of the growth site, the following procedure will be followed in February of each year:

 

a) The appropriate proportion of the allotment site will be allocated on a permanent basis released for letting. This annual supply will be calculated as defined below. If the actual demand exceeds the annual supply, permanent allocations will be made after a ballot on 1st February.

 

c) Applicants from the growth site unsuccessful in two previous ballots for a permanent allocation will be given a permanent allocation plot allocation, without the use of a ballot.

 

d) Priority can be given to Community Group applications linked with the growth site without ballot, either as a temporary or permanent basis.

 

f) If there are vacancies on the site, applicants after February October will be given a temporary contract until the following February October.

 

2.3 For the first 8 years following completion of the growth site, permanent allocations will be given to residents of that site as plots become available. If necessary, a waiting list shall be set up. On 1 February October of each year, if there are vacancies on the site after all the allocations have been made to residents of the growth site, temporary allocations will be made to non-residents. Residents of both Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire will have equal access to the waiting list.

 

3 Definitions

Temporary Allocation – Allocation for a period up to the 1^st February October on the following year.

 

Permanent Allocation – an allocation until such times as the applicant surrenders their plot. This can be an allocation of full, half or any proportion of an allotment plot;

 

 

Members supported these amendments and emphasised the need for officers to work closely with the independent allotment societies.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous) 

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Approval to grant S106 contributions to fund the installation of a climbing wall at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Approved an additional £30,000 funded from Formal Open Space S106 contributions for this scheme, which was already included in the Capital Plan (SC452), subject to resources being available to fund the total cost of £90,000. There were no additional revenue implications.

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Recreation Services Manager.

 

In response to a member’s question the Head of Arts and Recreation confirmed that, whilst S106 funding was for ‘formal open space’, its use for this type of sports project was appropriate.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous).

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Approval to grant S106 contributions for the updating, extension and expansion of the Cambridge Canoe Club building on Sheeps Green

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Approved an additional £35,000 funding from Formal Open Space S106 contributions for this scheme, which was already included in the Capital Plan (SC441), subject to resources being available to fund the total cost of £210,000. There were no additional revenue implications.

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Recreation Services Manager.

 

In response to member’s questions, it was confirmed that building was owned by the City Council and leased long-term to the Canoe Club. Through the proposed extension, the aim of the Canoe Club was to increase the number of younger members.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous)  

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matter for decision: Improvements to the operation and management of the Corn Exchange.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor forArts and Recreation:

 

·        Approved the following approach and detailed actions as highlighted in section 3.5 of officer’s report:

 

Governance

-         In the medium term, the Corn Exchange will continue to be directly managed by the Council

-         A Project Management Board comprising the Head of Service, Director of Customer and Community Services and the Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation will be established to oversee service improvements, set targets and monitor performance

-         A Performance Advisory Panel comprising elected members, officers and possibly external expertise will be established to enable oversight of cultural activity in relation to the Corn Exchange, and other arts venues grant aided by the council

-         Strategic relationships with organisations such as Arts Council East, and important local providers will be strengthened and others explored

-         Ongoing work on the Council's arts strategy will consider the role and direction of future cultural activity at the Corn Exchange

 

Management

-         The Corn Exchange and Guildhall Hall's operations will be run as a stand-alone business unit within the arts and recreation service. The new in-house management structure will be identified as part of a restructure of the arts and recreation service.

-         The restructure proposals will be brought forward under the Council's management of change policy in November 2010. It is anticipated that full implementation will be completed by July 2011.

-         A clear and strategic three-year business plan with SMART income targets will be produced, overseen by the project management board

-         Clearer arrangements for financial management will be put in place. Cost centre management will be reviewed and a profit and loss account developed that directly links to the Council’s accountancy system.

 

Staffing

-         The new structure will focus on delivering improvements throughout the Corn Exchange and Guildhall Halls business; also strengthening line management arrangements and creating service teams across the arts and recreation section.

-         The restructure will provide for specialism where this is needed, consider combined functions where this is beneficial to the business, and highlight opportunities for better investment in people

-         The restructure process will consider opportunities for efficiencies, as well as service improvements.

 

Programming and marketing

-         A vision for programming policy will be developed

-         This will be informed by research into audience development and improved strategic relationships with other providers and partners.

-         The new policy will focus on improving the business, retaining quality and diversity, and a refreshed approach to marketing and branding.

-         The project management board, in conjunction with the programme advisory panel, will oversee programming policy.

 

Catering

-         Recommendations in the June 2009 scrutiny report to withdraw daytime catering arrangements have already been fully implemented and other major improvements to the bar area made.

 

Facilities

-         A comprehensive asset management and improvement plan will be prepared for both the Corn Exchange and the Guildhall Halls.

-         The business plan will consider how investment in routine and major capital improvements (for example, to air quality, sound and lighting systems, also an energy audit) can be delivered in the short, medium and longer term

-         The Council will consider how strategic relationships and/or partnerships can potentially contribute to facility improvements

 

Timescales

-         The review of the Corn Exchange will be implemented in a two phases over 2.5 years.

-         Phase 1 will deliver organisational and financial restructure and will be completed by the summer of 2011.

-         Phase 2 will focus on improved service delivery and performance and will be completed by March 2013

 

 

Reason for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report from the Head of Arts and Recreation.

 

In response to a member’s concern regarding the possible affect of the review on staff, the Head of Art and Recreation confirmed that any restructure would take on board the views of all staff and relevant stakeholders. A freeze on recruitment had been in place for a number of months and the committee was reassured that everything possible would be done to minimise staff losses and ensure remaining staff could progress and develop their careers.

 

In response to a member’s question regarding future plans for programming and marketing of the Corn Exchange it was confirmed that a more specialised approach would be adopted. Members would also have an opportunity to work with officers to develop future programming schedules.

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the ongoing management of the Corn Exchange but acknowledged that a refresh of the programming schedule could be beneficial.

 

It was also noted that the future development of arts and the linking together of projects across the city was a priority for the council.  

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 7 votes to 0 (unanimous)

 

The Executive Councillor for Arts and Recreation approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted): None