Agenda and minutes

The Chair listed apologies received and welcomed members to the first .

Members then introduced themselves and particular interests they have relating to Culture, Tourism and Sport.

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser, presented on the key service areas and issues that fall within the board’s remit. He also outlined key achievements over the past years, possible workstreams for the future, and likely issues in 2017/18 that the board might wish to respond to.

The board noted the presentation and the Chair invited members to comment on the proposed work programme for 2017/18 (Item 3).

Members agreed two overarching priorities as:

·         Culture-led regeneration.

·         Enabling councils to meet the challenges and opportunities of growing the visitor economy with particular regards to Brexit.

In a wide-ranging discussion, members introduced areas of interest and concern for the Board in the coming year. It was agreed that officers would work with Lead Members to develop a work programme informed by this discussion and shaped by the agreed priorities: 

·         Sharing of best practice;

·         Working with museums to increase the sharing of collections between local and national museums;

·         Working with supporters of football clubs;

·         Recognising and promoting the value of volunteering to culture, tourism and sport;

·         Developing advice on managing the visitor economy, including for those areas where high numbers are now presenting issues;

·         Supporting cycle and walking routes to help generate tourism, as well as integrated transport solutions;

·         Effective management of community assets and heritage assets, including local theatres;

·         Responding to opportunities offered by major infrastructure projects or national events.

The board also noted that there had been intensive work on libraries recently and that this work could now form a lesser focus for the board.

Members requested a briefing paper on recent work of the LGA on sport, and with Sport England.

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser, introduced this paper.

The board welcomed the change in conference date to avoid budget setting, but noted that the date coincided with the LGA Executive for some members. Officers would bear this in mind when setting the date for the next conference.

Members raised a concern that there is only limited coverage of sport within the draft agenda. Ian Leete clarified that there would also be a sport-led morning session.

Members also noted the following points:

·         It remains challenging for some councils to pay for members to attend the conference, especially for those for whom Culture, Tourism or Sport is not under their portfolio.

·         It was suggested that a theme for the conference would give it additional coherence.

·         Members noted that the three workshops planned – tourism, sport and libraries – were covering everything, but asked whether the content could be made more dynamic

·         Members asked if it would be possible to hold the evening dinner at the Guildhall rather than the hotel. Officers will explore if the contract permits this.

The board also suggested potential speakers:

·         Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Festival,

·         Sir Gary Verity –  Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire.

Officers will continue to refine the conference programme to respond to members’ suggestions.

The Chair invited nominations to represent the Board on its outside bodies.

Councillor Geraldine Carter was appointed as the board’s representative for the Tourism Alliance.

Councillor Geoff Knight was retained as the board’s representative for British Destinations.

Councillor Mike Bell was retained as the board’s representative for the Libraries Taskforce.

Councillor Sonja Crisp was retained as the board’s representative for the London Marathon Charitable Trust. Charitable trust have been awarded grants totalling £635,000.

Lead members will determine the nomination to the British Board of Film Classification Consultative Council following two candidates coming forward.

It was noted that the Board used to have an observer on VisitEngland’s structures. The Board requested that this role be resumed if the relevant structure still existed. Officers will explore the possibility with VisitEngland.

Membership and terms of reference were agreed.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

It was agreed that a future meeting will be held outside of London, subject to a suitable date and venue being agreed with the board.