Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting. There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair thanked Cllr Henig for hosted the CTS Conference dinner on the 22February.

The Chair introduced Cllr Estella Tincknell, Deputy Mayor of Bristol and portfolio holder for Arts and Strategy.

Cllr Tincknell outlined the composition and governance of Bristol City Council. She discussed the city and current key issues, including divisions, and problems with congestion and transport. Though GDP growth was good, house prices were high. The council was aware that good housing, health and education opportunities needed to be available to help build strong communities.

She highlighted Bristol’s diversity and its strengthening reputation for culture. The council was working in partnership with other organisations to deliver cultural projects. She touched on the savings the council was making whilst delivering cultural services. The council’s cultural strategy (due to be published in April) would assist in this area.

The following points were made:

·         Members requested that Cllr Tincknell feedback on the success of the cultural strategy after publication.

·         There was a brief discussion on what the council would look for in terms of LGA support and Arts Council England’s policy of match funding.

Decision:

1.    The board noted the presentation.

Action:

1.    Cllr Tincknell to provide feedback to board members after Bristol City Council’s Cultural Strategy is published.

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser, introduced the report, advising members that CLG select committee had published a report on the state of public parks which included a number of recommendations for the LGA, councils, and central government. Andrew Percy MP had started a cross government group to consider this issue. He asked members to feedback any thoughts on the proposed work.

The following points were made:

·         There was some concern that the board’s work plan was sufficient at the current time.

·         Members requested that the LGA respond to key recommendations in the report in order to guard the reputation of local government.

·         There was concern about the language used and that the paper promoted a one size fits all approach.

Decision:

1.    The board noted the report.

Action:

1.    A letter to be drafted, with the input of lead members, to respond to the report’s recommendations, particularly those concerning the LGA.

The Chair introduced the item.

Cllr Colin Organ updated the board on the latest Tourism Alliance Board meeting, informing members that they were invited to the Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception on the 27 March.

Decision:

1.    Members noted the report.

Action:

1.    MSO to send invitation to Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception to members.

Decision:

The board agreed the minutes of the last meeting as an accurate summary of the discussion.

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser, introduced the item, advising members that the final version of Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries had been published

on 1 December. Work was now underway to deliver the Action Plan supporting the document.

Decision:

1.    Members agreed the suggested approach.

Action:

1.    Cllr Bettison to speak to the Leader of Swindon for an update on the situation.

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser, introduced the item.

Decision:

1.    The board noted the report.

Actions:

1.    Officers to take members’ comments back to press officers.

2.    Officers to circulate examples of press coverage to members.