The pre-decision scrutiny questions were noted.

DECISION

1.    Amend the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to allow for up to 12 Major Event Days per calendar year as set out in paragraph 3.13 of the report.

2.    Amend the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to increase the capacity threshold for a major event from 5,000 persons at any one time to 20,000 at any one time, and amend the thresholds for small, medium and large events accordingly as set out in paragraph 3.16 of the report.

3.    Amend the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to change the categorisation of events considered to be major events, thereby allowing a broader range of events to take place in addition to the major events programme.

4.    To note the Equalities specific considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITIES (R. MISTRY)

Head of Arts, Parks and Events (C. Boyd)

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation introduced the report that set out the current Major Events Policy for Victoria Park and proposed a number of amendments to the Major Events Policy to enable the Council to programme more events in Victoria Park, increase opportunities for residents to access high quality events and cultural programmes, benefit the local economy and support the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) through revenue generation. Councillor Hossain explained how the new approach would bring the Council more into line with practice of other local authorities and would assist the Council financially in a time of reducing income and government support. He outlined the communication and consultation plans accompanying the policy change.

The pre decision scrutiny questions and responses were noted.

Cabinet members welcomed the report, in particular noting

·         Victoria Park and other local parks played an important role in the lives and wellbeing of residents.

·         Wider community and economic benefits could be realised in addition to direct income as a result of more commercial activity in the park.

·         The additional income to be realised was essential to assist with the Mayor’s pioneering and visionary approach to transforming and reviving public services to benefit all residents.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He noted the borough was small and densely populated with extremes of wealth and poverty. He stressed his administration had worked to find creative ways to increase the Council’s income, whilst offering protection for open spaces. He felt the approach set out in the proposed new policy struck the right balance between these priorities. He offered his thanks to officers involved in preparing the report and draft policy.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1.    Amends the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to allow for up to 12 Major Event Days per calendar year as set out in paragraph 3.13 of this report.

2.    Amends the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to increase the capacity threshold for a major event from 5,000 persons at any one time to 20,000 at any one time, and amend the thresholds for small, medium and large events accordingly as set out in paragraph 3.16 of this report.

3.    Amends the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park to change the categorisation of events considered to be major events, thereby allowing a broader range of events to take place in addition to the major events programme.

4.    Notes the Equalities specific considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.