Portsmouth City Borough Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development Meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tom Coles and Linda Symes.

There were no declarations of interest.

Dave Percival, Library & Archive Services Manager, introduced the report.

The Chair welcomed the expansion of the Reading Challenge. Councillor Udy thanked officers for the HAF provision which makes the Challenge more inclusive and accessible.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member agreed that in order to increase participation in next year's Summer Reading Challenge, especially by disadvantaged pupils, the Library and Archive Service applies for Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) funding in Summer 2022.

Dave Percival, Library & Archive Services Manager, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said the work described in the report showed how far libraries in Portsmouth were removed from the stereotypical view; they are more than just buildings for books.

The Cabinet member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Adrian Rozier, Service Manager (Parks and Open Spaces), introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member noted increases were mainly due to inflation and that the proposed schedule simplified fees and charges.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member agreed that the fees and charges be approved in accordance with the attached schedules (Appendix A).

Adrian Rozier, Service Manager (Parks and Open Spaces), introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said the award was a positive news story and thanked the team for their hard work. Victoria Park is the "people's park" and plays a role at all stages of people's lives. Councillor Udy congratulated the team on receiving the award.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member

1.     Accepted the grant award of £2,273,000 from NLHF towards delivering the identified works in Victoria Park.

2.     Agreed that Portsmouth City Council acts as applicant, accepting the grant offer together with all the terms and conditions of the National Lottery Heritage Fund award. To ensure compliance with all the award criteria obligations including all the grant conditions.

3.     Delegated authority to the Director of Culture, Leisure and Regulatory Services to manage and deliver the project in line with NLHF requirements.

James Daly, Cultural Development and Projects Officer, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member looked forward to finding out the stories behind the exhibits and noted the silver displayed in the Lord Mayor's corridor was just one part of the city's collection. He thanked the team for their work.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member

1.     Agreed that progress developing the exhibition and securing of funding is noted.

2.     Agreed that preparations developing the exhibition and programme continue.

Laura Weston, Education & Outreach Officer, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said the Conan Doyle Collection was an example of hidden material with stories behind it that can be brought to life. It is important to show the public the work taking place in the Directorate.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Dan James, Operations Manager, (Central Library), introduced the report on behalf of Lindy Elliott (Library & Archive Services Manager).

The Cabinet Member was happy with the proposed costs and with proposals such as the trial enabling people to print directly from digital devices.

Officers clarified that the two newer projectors in the Menuhin Room in the Central Library have come from the City Museum. Officers can assist with using them, if necessary. The projector in the back room is a 35 mm film projector (a legacy of the Arts Centre) but is not much used now.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member

1.     Agreed that the proposals provided in Appendix 1 for the increase in room hire charges for the Menuhin Theatre and Room D on the Third Floor Central Library are agreed and implemented from 1April 2022.

2.     Agreed that the proposals provided in Appendix 2 for the simplification of the charging model and increase in charges for the Portsmouth History Centre are agreed and implemented from 1April 2022.

Felicity Wood, Public Participation Officer, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member noted the more accessible the collections are the better so that fewer people are marginalised from museums.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member agreed that the Portsmouth Museums Access Policy is approved.

Jane Mee, Museum & Visitor Service Manager, introduced the report.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member

1.     Agreed that the priorities for future collecting, rationalisation and disposal in the two documents are noted.

2.     Agreed that the Portsmouth Museums Collection Development Policy is approved.

3.     Agreed that The D-Day Story Collection Development Policy is approved.

Ross Fairbrother, General Manager D Day Story, introduced the report. 

The Cabinet Member said the Forward Plan for the D Day Story is important as it moves towards a new stage with the "living history" being lost as the number of survivors decreases. D Day is particularly poignant and important for Portsmouth so it is important to engage with young people and maintain the focus on international connections. He thanked Mr Fairbrother for making his first presentation at a portfolio meeting.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Claire Watkins, Business Development Manager, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said it was important to note how the Business Plan relates to the City Vision. The Business Plan gives a clear message as to how Culture, Leisure & Regulatory Services contribute to wider services. It is a strong, forward-looking piece of work.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member approved the service strategies and objectives set out in the business plan.