Issue - meetings

The report of the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration

The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration presented the report.

The Chairman asked whether charges for the stalls were under review and could they be increased. In response, the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that it would be sensible to maintain the current rate of charges so to remain competitive, especially in the current economic climate.

The Chairman asked about the potential to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the founding of Whitwick Pit, an important civic event in his view. In response, the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that there was a proliferation of potential events to celebrate, and the Working Party must pick which ones to celebrate carefully. It was preferable to do events well rather than to simply do lots of events. It was also possible that remnants of British Coal might contribute to celebrating that anniversary.

A discussion was had between Members about the event to celebrate the 125 year anniversary of Coalville Park, whether this was being funded entirely by the Special Expenses budget and whether the budget breakdown was suitably detailed.

Officers clarified that the time capsule, art installation and community engagement was not coming out of the Special Expenses budget; if the external grant funding was not received, this aspect of the event would not proceed. The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration suggested that Officers were working vigorously to secure this external funding. The Principal Economic Development Officer added that Members must approve this aspect of the project at the meeting.

A Member then raised a point of order, and a discussion was had on the constitutional powers of the Working Party. Officers clarified for Members that the Working Party was not a decision making body, and the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration then emphasised that the Working Party would be voting to recommend the Events Programme for approval by the Cabinet at their meeting on 26 March.

Following this discussion, the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration added that, as a more general point, there was often a time lag when procuring quotes for goods and services which meant they could not always be speedily reported to the Working Party, but this information was later reflected in the end of year Outturn.

It was moved by Councillor M Wyatt, seconded by Councillor J Legrys, and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The budget available in 2024/25 for Coalville events be noted.

2)    The proposed Member engagement for 2024/25 events be noted.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

Cabinet approve the Events Programme at their meeting on 26 March.