Minute No. 194 (Cabinet Agenda Item No. 10 refers)

Called-in by Councillors Cox, Davidson and Woodley

The Committee considered Minute 194 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 26th July 2022, which had been called-in for scrutiny, together with a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the potential opportunities, risks and likely resources required for the Council to prepare a bid for the 2029 UK City of Culture competition.

In response to questions regarding the proposed survey to gauge opinion on whether to proceed with the preparation of a bid, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Tourism gave her assurances that awareness of the consultation would be raised at various cultural events and appropriate signposting to the consultation would be in place, including the use of social media.

Resolved:

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:

“That initial research and engagement be undertaken with the Southend-on-Sea resident community to assess the level of support for a bid to become the 2029 UK City of Culture and that a further report come back to Cabinet on the outcome of this engagement, with a 66% in favour of a bid being the criteria.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the potential opportunities, risks and likely resources required for the Council to prepare a bid for the 2029 UK City of Culture competition.

Resolved:

That initial research and engagement be undertaken with the Southend-on-Sea resident community to assess the level of support for a bid to become the 2029 UK City of Culture and that a further report come back to Cabinet on the outcome of this engagement, with a 66% in favour of a bid being the criteria.

Other Options:

The Council could decide not to pursue a city of culture bid without any evidence gathering of the benefits/disbenefits and community engagement.

Reason for decision:

To reach out to the Southend-on-Sea community to test their appetite before committing significant public finances to progress a bid.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the potential opportunities, risks and likely resources required for the Council to prepare a bid for the 2029 UK City of Culture competition.

Resolved:

That initial research and engagement be undertaken with the Southend-on-Sea resident community to assess the level of support for a bid to become the 2029 UK City of Culture and that a further report come back to Cabinet on the outcome of this engagement, with a 66% in favour of a bid being the criteria.

Other Options:

The Council could decide not to pursue a city of culture bid without any evidence gathering of the benefits/disbenefits and community engagement.

Reason for decision:

To reach out to the Southend-on-Sea community to test their appetite before committing significant public finances to progress a bid.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney