Decision details

AGREED that Cabinet:

a)        recognises the success of the National Portfolio Organisation application and that the agreed grant amount of £309,000 annually be added to the budget for the three years of the funding agreement from April 2023, to be drawn down from the Arts Council in stages, in line with their funding agreement;

b)        approve the addition of three new funded roles to the establishment for the three years of the funding agreement from April 2023;

c)        approve the establishment of an Independent Board, as previously agreed through Policy & Finance Committee in March 2022, to meet the requirements of the National Portfolio Organisation status;

d)        approve a Cabinet Working Group to be set up to oversee the development of a refreshed strategy for Heritage & Culture as outlined in the report;

e)        approve that a budget of £20,000 be set aside in 2023-24 to undertake an options appraisal to support delivery of an agreed future strategy for Heritage & Culture; and

f)         support the National Civil War Centre continuing to offer free entry to residents during school holidays and for key, targeted activity and events, supporting residents to access welcoming, engaging and warm spaces over the winter period through the cost of living crisis and to interact with our heritage and cultural offer.