
Portsmouth City Borough Council
Councillors:
42
Wards:
14
Committees:
37
Meetings (2025):
120
Meetings (2024):
154
Meeting
Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development - Portsmouth City
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 31st January 2020
9:00 AM
Friday, 31st January 2020
9:00 AM
End:
Friday, 31st January 2020
1:00 PM
Friday, 31st January 2020
1:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Friday, 31st January 2020
9:00 AM
Friday, 31st January 2020
9:00 AM
Finished:
Friday, 31st January 2020
1:55 PM
Friday, 31st January 2020
1:55 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
31 Jan 2020
31 Jan 2020
Location:
The Executive Meeting Room - Third Floor, The Guildhall
The Executive Meeting Room - Third Floor, The Guildhall
Meeting Attendees

Cabinet Member
Leader of the Council (with portfolio responsibility for Culture, Regeneration & Economic Development)
Opposition spokesperson
Councillor Stephen Morgan
Present, as expected
Opposition spokesperson
Councillor Linda Symes
Present, as expected
Opposition spokesperson
Group Leader
Councillor Claire Udy
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
There were no apologies for absence.
2
Declarations of Interests
Minutes
There were no declarations of interests.
3
Guildhall Trust Capital Release
Purpose
(1) To seek authorisation to change the terms of the capital grant of £285,000 currently allocated to The Guildhall Trust.
(2) To present the business case to release £207,400 against this capital amount for the alternative capital expenditure listed in this report.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the current obligation for The Guildhall Trust to secure match funding against the capital grant of £285,000 be removed.
(2) That a capital allocation of £207,400 be released from this capital grant already approved for The Guildhall Trust to invest in the capital items listed in this report.
(1) To seek authorisation to change the terms of the capital grant of £285,000 currently allocated to The Guildhall Trust.
(2) To present the business case to release £207,400 against this capital amount for the alternative capital expenditure listed in this report.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the current obligation for The Guildhall Trust to secure match funding against the capital grant of £285,000 be removed.
(2) That a capital allocation of £207,400 be released from this capital grant already approved for The Guildhall Trust to invest in the capital items listed in this report.
Attachments:
- Document Guildhall Trust Capital Release Final 23 Jan 2020
- Document Integrated Impact Assessment Guildhall Capital Report CUTE pdf 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Josie Dalling, Business Support Manager. Councillor Pitt added the reason for making the amendments was that the Guildhall Trust have made significant investments to the building and in discussion with the chief financial officer it was decided it was appropriate to release this money for them to expand their business.
Councillor Symes said she had no issue with releasing the money but raised concerns that in the budget papers released today there is a £1.7 million loan and there are no significant reserves in place for the Guildhall Trust and she was concerned how this would be paid back. The lack interest from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council in giving any significant money to this venue also made her concerned about the level of borrowing.
Councillor Pitt said that there is £400,000 a year invested into the building for repairs and renewals and there is significant work that needs to take place for the electrical rewiring of the building and there is money reserved for that. The money leftover will pay for replacing air conditioning in the main auditorium. Officers had identified going forward they may not need such a large sum of money. The £1.7 million identified in the budget papers is a capitalisation of some of the revenue so it would not be for the Trust to repay this. The council will not be loaning money to an organisation that does not have significant reserves.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development agreed:
(1) That the current obligation for the Guildhall Trust to secure match funding against the capital grant of £285,000 be removed.
(2) That a capital allocation of £207,400 be released from this capital grant already approved for the Guildhall Trust to invest in the capital items listed in this report.
Councillor Symes said she had no issue with releasing the money but raised concerns that in the budget papers released today there is a £1.7 million loan and there are no significant reserves in place for the Guildhall Trust and she was concerned how this would be paid back. The lack interest from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council in giving any significant money to this venue also made her concerned about the level of borrowing.
Councillor Pitt said that there is £400,000 a year invested into the building for repairs and renewals and there is significant work that needs to take place for the electrical rewiring of the building and there is money reserved for that. The money leftover will pay for replacing air conditioning in the main auditorium. Officers had identified going forward they may not need such a large sum of money. The £1.7 million identified in the budget papers is a capitalisation of some of the revenue so it would not be for the Trust to repay this. The council will not be loaning money to an organisation that does not have significant reserves.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development agreed:
(1) That the current obligation for the Guildhall Trust to secure match funding against the capital grant of £285,000 be removed.
(2) That a capital allocation of £207,400 be released from this capital grant already approved for the Guildhall Trust to invest in the capital items listed in this report.
4
Hotwalls Studios Business Plan
Purpose
This report provides a summary of the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios over the past 3 years. It also recommends to bring a future report, in this financial year, for a proposed business model for the site, both to meet emerging priorities and provided a sustainable business model for the future.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development notes the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios developed over the previous 3 years.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development agrees to bring a revised 6 year business plan model to the March 2020 portfolio meeting.
This report provides a summary of the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios over the past 3 years. It also recommends to bring a future report, in this financial year, for a proposed business model for the site, both to meet emerging priorities and provided a sustainable business model for the future.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development notes the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios developed over the previous 3 years.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development agrees to bring a revised 6 year business plan model to the March 2020 portfolio meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Hotwalls Studios report to 2019 final 23 Jan 2020
- Document Integrated Impact Assessment January 2020 Hotwalls Studio - Cute PDF 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Josie Dalling, Business Development Manager.
In response to a question from Councillor Morgan she explained that officers were still working on the business model and a report would be considered at the next Culture & City Development Cabinet in March. This is a very unique site that lends itself to strong start-ups and it was important to get the model right and if it does not work this will be re-evaluated. In terms of tourism officers needed to look at the key principle of the site and had plans to meet with Tourism South East.
Councillor Symes said that the turnover of artists concerned her and there were very successful artists still inhabiting the space which meant new creative businesses cannot move in. In terms of tourism, she suggested that perhaps a trail be created to the Hotwalls from the Dockyard to enable visitors to find the studios. She said this was a wonderful opportunity but the council needed to be careful it does not stagnate. Councillor Pitt replied that he took on board the concerns about the turnover and said the priority was to identify additional creative spaces in the city and not just relying on the hotwalls.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development:
(1) Noted the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios developed over the previous 3 years.
(2) Agreed to bring a revised 6 year business plan model to the March 2020 portfolio meeting
In response to a question from Councillor Morgan she explained that officers were still working on the business model and a report would be considered at the next Culture & City Development Cabinet in March. This is a very unique site that lends itself to strong start-ups and it was important to get the model right and if it does not work this will be re-evaluated. In terms of tourism officers needed to look at the key principle of the site and had plans to meet with Tourism South East.
Councillor Symes said that the turnover of artists concerned her and there were very successful artists still inhabiting the space which meant new creative businesses cannot move in. In terms of tourism, she suggested that perhaps a trail be created to the Hotwalls from the Dockyard to enable visitors to find the studios. She said this was a wonderful opportunity but the council needed to be careful it does not stagnate. Councillor Pitt replied that he took on board the concerns about the turnover and said the priority was to identify additional creative spaces in the city and not just relying on the hotwalls.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development:
(1) Noted the work and activities of the Hotwalls Studios developed over the previous 3 years.
(2) Agreed to bring a revised 6 year business plan model to the March 2020 portfolio meeting
5
Library Free Fines and Overdues
Purpose of report
To update the Portfolio Holder on the impact of the abolition of reservation fees and overdue fines in the Library and Archive Service and make recommendations for the remaining period of the pilot based on evaluation findings.
RECOMMENDED
(1)To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(2)To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(3)To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.
To update the Portfolio Holder on the impact of the abolition of reservation fees and overdue fines in the Library and Archive Service and make recommendations for the remaining period of the pilot based on evaluation findings.
RECOMMENDED
(1)To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(2)To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(3)To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.
Attachments:
- Document Library Free fines and Overdues report 23 Jan 2020
- Document Library reservations and requests 2016-2019 Appendix 1 23 Jan 2020
- Document IIA Free Fines (edit) 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Clare Forsyth, Service Development Manager.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople were very supportive of no library fines and continuing to offer free reservations. It was noted that more books are now being returned to the library service because of this and this was making a real difference to people.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development agreed:
(1) To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(2) To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(3) To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople were very supportive of no library fines and continuing to offer free reservations. It was noted that more books are now being returned to the library service because of this and this was making a real difference to people.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development agreed:
(1) To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(2) To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.
(3) To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.
6
Parks, Seafront and Events Fees and Charges
Purpose of report
To seek approval for annual changes to the fees and charges levied for the use of Parks, Recreation and Seafront facilities for the financial year 2020/ 21.
RECOMMENDED
That the fees and charges be approved in accordance with the attached schedules (Appendix 1 - Schedule A).
To seek approval for annual changes to the fees and charges levied for the use of Parks, Recreation and Seafront facilities for the financial year 2020/ 21.
RECOMMENDED
That the fees and charges be approved in accordance with the attached schedules (Appendix 1 - Schedule A).
Attachments:
- Document Parks and Seafront and Events Fees and Charges 2020 21 23 Jan 2020
- Document Parks and seafront fees and charges 2020-21 - SEAFRONT 23 Jan 2020
- Document Parks and seafront fees and charges 2020-21 - PARKS 23 Jan 2020
- Document Parks and seafront fees and charges 2020-21 - SPORTS 23 Jan 2020
- Document Parks and seafront fees and charges 2020-21 - GOLF 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager.
DECISION:
The fees and charges were approved in accordance with the attached schedule (Appendix 1 - Schedule A)
DECISION:
The fees and charges were approved in accordance with the attached schedule (Appendix 1 - Schedule A)
7
Revenue Grants
Purpose
To outline to the Cabinet Member the proposed funding levels for the Revenue Grant payments to cultural organisations for the financial year 2020/21 in order to enable effective planning by the individual organisations and take into account the deferment of the Revenue Funding decisions due to Purdah until February 2020.
RECOMMENED
To propose the details of the funding levels, which will be confirmed by Members at the Full Council meeting in February 2020 when the Council's overall revenue budget is agreed.
To outline to the Cabinet Member the proposed funding levels for the Revenue Grant payments to cultural organisations for the financial year 2020/21 in order to enable effective planning by the individual organisations and take into account the deferment of the Revenue Funding decisions due to Purdah until February 2020.
RECOMMENED
To propose the details of the funding levels, which will be confirmed by Members at the Full Council meeting in February 2020 when the Council's overall revenue budget is agreed.
Attachments:
- Document Revenue Grants 2020-21 23 Jan 2020
- Document IIA Revenue Grants Report CUTE pdf 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager.
In response to a question, officers explained that individual targets for each organisation are devised once they know the money is likely to be awarded. The authority works with organisations and if necessary the authority will discuss the level of detail within the SLA with their board trustees to understand how to meet the PCC priorities.
Councillor Symes commented that she had concerns with the £3.5 million proposed to be allocated to the Kings Theatre as a grant and £3 million of borrowing. She felt that repayment of £85,000 a year over three years is quite a sum and was also concerned that the council had awarded them £180,000 towards a new shop which they now plan to demolish.
Councillor Pitt explained that the Council had entered a financial assessment phase with the Kings Theatre in November 2018 and there was financial due diligence for the whole of 2019. The Chief Financial Officer is comfortable with the level of the loan. The loan is £3 million and £300,000 is to settle a long standing dispute with the council over who was responsible for some repairs, the other £350,000 is match funding. There is a long way to go but they are aware of that and they are putting together a fundraising plan.
DECISION:
The Cabinet Member agreed the details of the funding levels, which will be confirmed by members at Full Council meeting in February 2020 when the council's overall revenue budget is agreed.
In response to a question, officers explained that individual targets for each organisation are devised once they know the money is likely to be awarded. The authority works with organisations and if necessary the authority will discuss the level of detail within the SLA with their board trustees to understand how to meet the PCC priorities.
Councillor Symes commented that she had concerns with the £3.5 million proposed to be allocated to the Kings Theatre as a grant and £3 million of borrowing. She felt that repayment of £85,000 a year over three years is quite a sum and was also concerned that the council had awarded them £180,000 towards a new shop which they now plan to demolish.
Councillor Pitt explained that the Council had entered a financial assessment phase with the Kings Theatre in November 2018 and there was financial due diligence for the whole of 2019. The Chief Financial Officer is comfortable with the level of the loan. The loan is £3 million and £300,000 is to settle a long standing dispute with the council over who was responsible for some repairs, the other £350,000 is match funding. There is a long way to go but they are aware of that and they are putting together a fundraising plan.
DECISION:
The Cabinet Member agreed the details of the funding levels, which will be confirmed by members at Full Council meeting in February 2020 when the council's overall revenue budget is agreed.
8
Space Chase: The Summer Reading Challenge 2019
Purpose
To update the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development on the Library and Archive Service's annual Summer Reading Challenge, including additional work undertaken this year to target disadvantaged pupils and looked after children.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the Cabinet Member approves the continued delivery of Summer Reading Challenge PLUS in 2020 following this year's successful pilot.
(2) That given increasing participation year-on-year, the Library and Archive Service explores external funding to support the purchase of additional Summer Reading Challenge materials and books for all Portsmouth Libraries.
To update the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development on the Library and Archive Service's annual Summer Reading Challenge, including additional work undertaken this year to target disadvantaged pupils and looked after children.
RECOMMENDED
(1) That the Cabinet Member approves the continued delivery of Summer Reading Challenge PLUS in 2020 following this year's successful pilot.
(2) That given increasing participation year-on-year, the Library and Archive Service explores external funding to support the purchase of additional Summer Reading Challenge materials and books for all Portsmouth Libraries.
Attachments:
- Document Space Chase SRC 2019 Report 23 Jan 2020
- Document IIA Summer Reading Challenge (edit) 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by David Percival, Library and Archive Services Manager.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople thanked David and the whole of the library service for all their efforts for another successful year. The Cabinet Member advised he had spoken to Jo Bennett about the role of the play service in helping to increase participation and David Percival said he would arrange to meet with her.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development:
(1) Approved the continued delivery of Summer Reading Challenge Plus in 2020 following this year's successful pilot
(2) Agreed that given increasing participation year on year, the Library and Archive Service explores external funding to support the purchase of additional Summer Reading Challenge materials and books for all Portsmouth libraries.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople thanked David and the whole of the library service for all their efforts for another successful year. The Cabinet Member advised he had spoken to Jo Bennett about the role of the play service in helping to increase participation and David Percival said he would arrange to meet with her.
DECISIONS:
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development:
(1) Approved the continued delivery of Summer Reading Challenge Plus in 2020 following this year's successful pilot
(2) Agreed that given increasing participation year on year, the Library and Archive Service explores external funding to support the purchase of additional Summer Reading Challenge materials and books for all Portsmouth libraries.
9
Waterfront Garden Centre
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member of the developments to date of the Waterfront Garden Centre in Avenue de Caen and to see approval to continue to seek cross authority working for referrals to the service.
RECOMMENDED
To update members on the detailed working of the Waterfront Garden Centre and to seek approval to continue to request referrals to the service from other services within the Council.
To inform the Cabinet Member of the developments to date of the Waterfront Garden Centre in Avenue de Caen and to see approval to continue to seek cross authority working for referrals to the service.
RECOMMENDED
To update members on the detailed working of the Waterfront Garden Centre and to seek approval to continue to request referrals to the service from other services within the Council.
Attachments:
- Document Waterfront Garden Centre (decision) 23 Jan 2020
- Document IIA Waterfront Garden Centre Report cute PDF 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Catherine Burland, Growing and Retail Co-ordinator.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople all thought this was a fantastic project and congratulated Catherine and her staff on all their hard work.
DECISION: The Cabinet Member noted the detailed working of the Waterfront Garden Centre and agreed to continue to request referrals to the service from other services within the Council.
The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople all thought this was a fantastic project and congratulated Catherine and her staff on all their hard work.
DECISION: The Cabinet Member noted the detailed working of the Waterfront Garden Centre and agreed to continue to request referrals to the service from other services within the Council.
10
Seafront Strategy
Purpose
To update the Cabinet Member on the officer proposal to review the current Seafront Strategy 2010 - 2026 which was adopted by Council in March 2010.
To update the Cabinet Member on the officer proposal to review the current Seafront Strategy 2010 - 2026 which was adopted by Council in March 2010.
Attachments:
- Document Information report - Seafront Strategy Review 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager.
In response to a question she advised that engagement with the public would be a key part of the strategy.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
In response to a question she advised that engagement with the public would be a key part of the strategy.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
11
Water Safety
Purpose
To update Members on the results of a recently completed Water Safety audit and the actions and mitigations taken since the report.
To update Members on the results of a recently completed Water Safety audit and the actions and mitigations taken since the report.
Attachments:
- Document Information report - Water Safety Report 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report
12
Developing Watersports in Portsmouth
Purpose
To provide an update on progress with the "Developing Watersports in Portsmouth" strategy document, and highlight the next priority areas for action.
To provide an update on progress with the "Developing Watersports in Portsmouth" strategy document, and highlight the next priority areas for action.
Attachments:
- Document Information report - Developing Watersports in Portsmouth 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by David Evans, Leisure & Sports Facilities Manager.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
13
Monitoring of the Second Quarter 2019/20 Revenue Cash Limits and Capital Programme
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member and Opposition Spokespersons of:
· The forecast revenue expenditure for the year compared with the cash limited budget.
· The forecast capital expenditure against the revised capital programme for the Culture portfolio
To inform the Cabinet Member and Opposition Spokespersons of:
· The forecast revenue expenditure for the year compared with the cash limited budget.
· The forecast capital expenditure against the revised capital programme for the Culture portfolio
Attachments:
- Document Information report Budget Monitoring Q2 2019-20 Final 23 Jan 2020
- Document Information report - Budget Monitoring - Copy of Appendix A Q2 2019-20 23 Jan 2020
- Document Information report - Budget Monitoring - Copy of Appendix B Q2 2019-20 23 Jan 2020
Minutes
The report was introduced by Sue Page, Finance Manager.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development noted the report.
Future Meetings
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