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

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

Dr Jane Mee, Museums & Visitor Services Manager, introduced the report informing members that the Council has been proactive in delivering the project and the final reports and grant claims are now with the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The legal agreements, including relating to the responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the craft, canopy and two tanks that sit on the vessel, have been completed. The Landing Craft Tank generates a surplus which should cover the cost of future maintenance and the legal agreement sets out the responsibility for larger maintenance costs which cannot be covered by the carried forward surplus. The Landing Craft Tank has been well received as part of The D-Day Story, including in the press. The Chair confirmed the National Museum of the Royal Navy had received payment from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

In response to members questions, Dr Mee confirmed that the Landing Craft Tank exhibit and canopy has been won several awards and was a finalist for a Portsmouth Society design award. 

Members agreed that the Landing Craft Tank was a wonderful addition to The D-Day Story and that carrying forward the surplus to cover on-going maintenance made sense. In addition, the Chair welcomed the close working relationship with National Museum of the Royal Navy.

1.    Noted the positive response to Landing Craft Tank 7074 since it opened as part of The D-Day Story. 

2.    Approved the transfer of the surplus made through the operation of Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 7074 to a "sinking fund" as set out in the project Business Plan.

3.    Noted that the responsibility for the maintenance of LCT 7074 rests with the National Museum of the Royal Navy Operations and the responsibility for the maintenance of the canopy which protects the ship and the two D-Day tanks displayed on board rests with Portsmouth City Council. 

4.    Noted that provision is made in the LCT 7074 project Business Plan for annual maintenance of LCT 7074, the canopy and tanks and that the sinking fund described at 2.1 will be used for the more significant interventions that will be required every three to five years or so.  

Felicity Wood, Public Participation Officer, introduced the report. The D-Day Story has become an award-winning world class attraction as a result of the reconfiguration of the building, new retail space and landscaping around the building alongside a bold and cosmopolitan brand which runs across its activities. The personal experiences of those who were there, alongside the conservation of the Overlord Embroidery and a raft of activities to attract different groups of visitors, aided by a new layered offer, encourages repeat visits, including by groups.

The Chair welcomed the report, highlighting the new lighting and glass for the Overlord Embroidery which has lifted the display as well as projects to encourage participation by children with learning difficulties.

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

Sue Page, Finance Manager, introduced the report, reporting that the portfolio was facing a £1.03m overspend of which a significant part related to increased energy costs, which would be met from Reserves. When energy costs were removed, a net underspend of £12,300 was forecast; any underspend would be transferred to the portfolio reserve. There are no other uncommitted balances. 

The Chair expressed his disappointment about the lack of clarity relating to government support for energy costs stating that this, combined with a lack of uplift on local government funding for inflation, was resulting in an 8% cut in funding this year, which was potentially catastrophic for local services. 

Members echoed these sentiments. 

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