Agenda item

The report of the Cultural Services Team Manager.

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report updating members on the work that had been carried out so far to progress the events planned for the year, which included the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Members’ attention was drawn to the additional paper that had been circulated which provided an update on the event and it was noted that due to the weather, there had been an impact on the expected income, as some attractions were unable to attend due to safety concerns and an unexpected additional charge had been requested by the insurers, which was an un-anticipated impact on the budget.

In relation to Christmas lights, it was noted that the council had submitted a successful insurance claim against the vandalism to the lights the previous year.

In addition to the recommendations in the report, members were asked to consider the following:-

1.    Due to the overspend and under achievement of income for the Queen’s Jubilee event, and the continuing rise of cost due to inflation

a)    Suspending the delivery of Coalville by the Sea this year, and

b)    To redirect that budget to offset the Queen’s Jubilee expenditure and investment in the Christmas in Coalville event, which was anticipated to be challenging to deliver against the allocated budget.

2.    Due to the disposal and recycling of old Christmas lights stock this year that members consider allocating up to £7000 from balances to support the purchase of replacement lights to complement the current scheme.

A member requested that the figures in relation to the projected income for the Cinema in the Park be revisited as it was felt that the event would be bringing in more than predicted and that any additional income could be used towards other events.

Members expressed their delight to the events and parks teams for the work that had been put into the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations and that, as always, the weather could not be predicted, but the event was well attended despite the rain and feedback on the event received was very good. Special thanks were given to the volunteers of the Friends of Coalville Park for the work that they had put in to tidy the park and decorate with extra flags prior to the event.

Members agreed with the proposed additional recommendations as outlined by the Cultural Services Manager. It was noted that the money for the Christmas Lights would be to replace and complement the current stock.

In response to a question, members were advised that the additional £2.5k requested by the insurance company was totally unexpected and the explanation given was that any event that expected a capacity over 500 people in attendance at any one time required the extra cover.

The Finance Team Manager advised members that the Council was due to go out to tender on insurance prior to the Christmas Events and she would ensure that the additional charge re the number of people would be included in the tender. However, at the time it was difficult to say if there would be any impact to the budget.

A member requested that a review be carried out on the fees and charges for stall holders at the events, to see if it would be possible to increase the income. It was agreed that a review would be carried out and reported back to members at a future meeting. It was noted that due to the nature of the weekend several of the stall holders, who would normally attend had not been able to do so as they were attending other Jubilee events.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:-

1)    The progress update on the 2022 / 23 events and budget allocation be noted.

2)    The update for the Christmas lights 2022 / 23 be noted.

3)    The update for 2022 / 23 Coalville Special Expenses Community Grant Scheme be noted

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET THAT:-

1)    Due to the overspend and under achievement of income for the Queen’s Jubilee event, and the continuing rise of cost due to inflation

a)    The delivery of Coalville by the Sea be suspended this year, and

b)    The budget be redirected to offset the Queen’s Jubilee expenditure and investment in the Christmas in Coalville event (which officers anticipate to be challenging to deliver against the allocated budget).

2)    Due to the disposal and recycling of old Christmas lights stock this year, members consider allocating up to £7,000 from balances to support the purchase of replacement lights to complement the current scheme.