Portsmouth City Borough Council Cabinet Member - The Leader (Culture, Leisure and Economic Development Portfolio) Meeting

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

Clare Lidell, Service Development Manager presented the report.

Members congratulated officers on the good work.  The Leader thanked everyone who delivered Bookfest and said that it continues to be a popular part of the city's cultural calendar and he wished them luck for Bookfest 2024. 

The Leader noted the report. 

Mark Woolnough, Built Environment and Recreation Manager presented the report.

The Leader said the periodic inspections will deal with any gravestones that are unstable which need to be laid down; it was important that members of the public do not attempt to stand these up as it can be very dangerous.  He felt the policy was balanced and thanked officers for their work. 

The Leader noted the report.

Claire Watkins, Business Development Manager presented the report.

Members were very impressed with the report and the work of the countryside officers.  The Leader said that the expansion of the team had been very welcome, and people are excited about being able to volunteer.  There was a lot of exciting work taking place and another update would be received at this meeting in the future.

The Leader noted the report.

Dave Percival, Library and Archive Services Manager presented the report.

In response to questions Mr Percival said that the schools purchase the SLA from PCC and this is an income stream for the Council. 

There are dyslexia friendly books available and there are specific publishers who do books with clear fonts so they are well placed to support those needs in schools. 

90 disadvantaged pupils from the north of the city had completed the Summer Reading Challenge Plus during the summer term and had received their certificates and medals.   All would be invited to the winners event in September so they can be part of the celebrations with their peers.  

The Leader noted the report.