Agenda item

The Committee considered the report and verbal presentation given by the Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture & the Arts, Councillor Rowan Cozens.

As detailed in the report, the Portfolio Holder had been invited to attend Committee to respond to three specific questions as detailed in paragraph 2.1 of the report.

In relation to the new Equality, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2025/2029 and how this had been implemented, Councillor Cozens advised that since the launch of the new Strategy, a Equalities Steering Group had been established whose role was to oversee this area of work and helped to guide progress.  There has been an introduction of several equalities advisors in key departments who played a crucial role in ensuring the Council’s day-to-day decision-making was inclusive and reflective of the diverse needs within the community.  The measures had enabled a greater consistency in equalities-related decisions.

In relation to the work being undertaken on the Castle Gatehouse which included a new entrance and multi-function space.  Information was sought on how residents and potential visitors were being engaged throughout the build phase to enable people to be involved as much as possible and how that approach would benefit the Castle once the new visitor offer officially opened.  Councillor Cozens advised that there had been a great deal of consideration given to making the Castle as accessible to everyone as possible, highlighting just some of these as: accessibility guide; accessible parking; accessible toilet facilities; ambulance accessible toilet; active moments; welcome of assistance animals; audio handsets; soundscapes; AV alternative to dungeon tour; AV tables – Castle view explorer; information in braille; door openings; quiet hours; and sensory backpacks.

In relation to the ongoing work of the Heritage & Culture Working Group and how the Heritage & Culture Business Unit (H&CBU) was regarded both regionally and nationally, the question of how the service may be developed to further improve the offer in the context of local government reorganisation, specifically the risks and opportunities.  Councillor Cozens advised that the H&CBU already had a solid foundation from which to build on.  Once the unitary authority was operational, it would be possible to create a triangle of cultural hubs with Bassetlaw and Mansfield.  Newark & Sherwood, Mansfield and Inspire were all Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations and had achieved funding of £7m over the current funding period and being part of the unitary authority would provide an opportunity to develop a unitary-wide cultural strategy, thereby delivering a coherent, place-based cultural identity.  In noting that provision of cultural services was a driver to health, wellbeing and civic pride, a unitary authority would be able to make heritage and culture central to prevention, wellbeing and community resilience agendas.  Members were advised that work was ongoing to raise the profile of the Council on a national level.  Councillor Cozens advised that the Council needed to lobby for improved transport routes to allow those without their own vehicles to visit attractions in other parts of the district and eventually the wider unitary authority area. 

In considering the verbal presentation Members all agreed that the team working on the Castle Gatehouse project were to be praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge.  Members noted that this enthusiasm was not only displayed by Officers of the Council but also contractors, for example the stonemasons. 

In referring to the health and wellbeing benefits heritage and culture can bring to individuals, a Member queried how this was actioned.  Councillor Cozens advised that the H&CBU Business Manager gave consideration as to how outreach activities could target groups in need of assistance.  She added that the business unit had established links with GP surgeries. 

In praising the Hard Hat Tour of the Castle earlier that day, a Member commented that he would wish to see, in the future, all of the county’s heritage and cultural assets supporting each other.  In response, Councillor Cozens advised that she would also welcome the development of one ticket allowing access to all venues. 

In closing the debate, the Chair thanked Councillor Cozens for her presentation and the ongoing work within the Heritage & Culture Business Unit.

AGREED     (unanimously) that the report and verbal presentation be noted.