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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tom Coles and Claire Udy.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Cabinet Member noted all Hotwalls reports are positive news. The studios provide a multi-faceted offer for creativity and make use of a historic asset which benefits economic development. Councillor Symes said it is good that more of the studios are shared as it means they can remain open longer though suggested that six years for a tenancy might be too long. It is a challenge to provide space for tenants moving on but the council is working on it. Members congratulated the team. 

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

The Cabinet Member said the initiatives outlined in the report are a testament to what the council can achieve with smaller amounts of money compared with other local authorities. Members thought Wind In Your Sails was a fantastic slogan.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member:

1.    Agreed to continued marketing as outlined in the report and previously approved communications plan.

2.    Noted the achievements of the team and acknowledged the support from destination partners.

Jane Mee, Museums and Visitor Services Manager, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member noted that the key focus is people and communities; museums are more than just buildings. Bidding for funding is positive as some local authorities have chosen not to do this. Portsmouth's museums service is worthy and does an enormous amount with a relatively small amount of money; funding would be beneficial to partners who work with the service. Members noted the museums are not static and each has its own demographic and programme of events. All credit is due to staff.

In response to questions Ms Mee said the timeframe for bringing back the strategy is January but the resignation of the Marketing lead might cause delays. The Cabinet Member said it was important to proceed.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member agreed:

1.    That the achievements of the museums service over the past five years (the period covered by the previous museums strategy are noted).

2.    That the draft museums strategy goes out for public consultation.

3.    That a revised document informed by the views of stakeholders including both users and non-users of the service is presented to Cabinet at the earliest opportunity. 

Christine Taylor, Curator of Natural History, introduced the report.

Members said the report was an interesting and important document. They were surprised to learn that the Butterfly House needed a zoo licence. 

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

Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager, introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said the Run has a very positive impact and clear economic benefits. The savings made in the re-negotiated contract are welcome.

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

Claire Watkins, Business Development Manager, and Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager, introduced the report, noting that Appendix A should say "Weekly Beach Hut" as there is no distinction between residents and non-residents.

The Cabinet Member noted that higher fees could be charged but nevertheless they provided a welcome income stream.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member agreed that the fees and charges be approved in accordance with the attached schedule (Appendix 1).