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