Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)      note the two bids being developed by towns within the district;

b)      approve a net expenditure budget of up to £10,000 (up to £5,000 per town) to be added in 2025/26 to support and facilitate towns in Newark and Sherwood in the development of their Expressions of Interest, with the allocation of funding to be subject to a lead organisation being formally identified through a partnership and subject to proof of expenditure;

c)      subject to either or both bids being shortlisted, Newark & Sherwood District Council to be the accountable body if required as a partner organisation in any bid developed within the district for the 2028 UK Town of Culture; and

d)      subject to c above, the net expenditure budget and income budget of up to £120,000 be added in the respective financial year, should either or both towns from within Newark and Sherwood be shortlisted at the Expression of Interest stage for the £60,000 grant.

The Business Manager - Heritage and Culture presented a report which updated Members about the UK Town of Culture competition and the two bids being prepared in the district and the process to be undertaken. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport published guidance on 14 January 2026 and set an Expression of Interest deadline of 31 March 2026. It was reported that if successful, winning places would be required to specify an ‘Accountable Body’ and ‘Delivery Body’ for their programme. The two bids being prepared were for Newark and Southwell.

AGREED     (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)           note the two bids being developed by towns within the district;

b)          approve a net expenditure budget of up to £10,000 (up to £5,000 per town) to be added in 2025/26 to support and facilitate towns in Newark and Sherwood in the development of their Expressions of Interest, with the allocation of funding to be subject to a lead organisation being formally identified through a partnership and subject to proof of expenditure;

c)           subject to either or both bids being shortlisted, Newark & Sherwood District Council to be the accountable body if required as a partner organisation in any bid developed within the district for the 2028 UK Town of Culture; and

d)          subject to c above, the net expenditure budget and income budget of up to £120,000 be added in the respective financial year, should either or both towns from within Newark and Sherwood be shortlisted at the Expression of Interest stage for the £60,000 grant.

Reasons for Decision:

The funding would represent a step change in our ability to promote, maximise and celebrate the diversity of Newark and Sherwood’s heritage, culture and community spirit. The recommendation identifies a role for NSDC which is achievable given current workloads, the context of LGR and supports bids from within the district.

Options Considered:

A ‘do nothing’ option could be considered in light of the timescale, staff capacity and timing of LGR and this funding. However, given the guidance as described within this report, that would preclude any bids coming from Newark and Sherwood. As such, this option was discounted.