Issue - meetings

AGREED that Cabinet:

(a)     approve the submission of the extension application by 19 December 2024;

(b)     approve the extension of the three staff for £137,000 funded by the Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, to be added to the establishment for 2026-27; and

(c)     approve a budget in 2026-27 of the remaining £172,000 of the £309,000 funded by the National Portfolio Organisation Grant.

The Business Manager – Heritage & Culture presented a report which updated Members on the progress of the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme and proposed that the Heritage & Culture Business Unit applies for the available extension funding for 2026-27.

The funding agreement was overseen by the independent Board which included the Portfolio Holder and the report gave examples of the projects delivered to date. It was proposed to submit an application to Art Council England for the maximum available funding of £309,000 for 2026-27 confirming that the activity would be broadly in line with 2023-26 plans which had been agreed by the Board. The detailed plans for the additional year would continue to build on the strengths and successes of the original three-year programme.

AGREED     (unanimously) that Cabinet:

(a)         approve the submission of the extension application by 19 December 2024;

(b)        approve the extension of the three staff for £137,000 funded by the Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, to be added to the establishment for 2026-27; and

(c)         approve a budget in 2026-27 of the remaining £172,000 of the £309,000 funded by the National Portfolio Organisation Grant.

Reasons for Decision:

The Open Doors programme links to Objective 7 in the community plan, to celebrate and invigorate community spirit, pride of place and a sense of belonging through heritage, culture and the arts, enabling the Heritage & Culture Business Unit to reach more audiences and increase cultural engagement.  

Options Considered:

The extension application is not mandatory, however if the Council does not apply for the extension year there will be a gap in funding and activity will not be able to continue. Not applying would also be to the detriment of any future NPO application, which is anticipated to cover the period 2027-2030.