Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors John Ince and John Getgood with Councillor Peter Fookes attending in place of Councillor Getgood.

Councillors Tom Papworth and Alexa Michael each declared a Personal Interest as members of the Bromley Arts Council. The Chairman also declared a Personal Interest as a Governor of the Bromley Adult Education College.

To hear questions to the Committee received in writing by the Legal, Democratic and Customer Services Department by 5pm on Tuesday 18^th January and to respond.

There were no questions.

Members agreed the minutes and in so doing the Vice Chairman referred to Minute 34 explaining that he had yet to be consulted on the preparation of a report on Beckenham and West Wickham scheduled for the Committee’s meeting on 15^th February 2011. The Director explained that this was in mind and an officer would be in touch shortly.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th December 2010 be agreed.

To note decisions of the Portfolio Holder made since the previous meeting of the Committee.

Decisions of the Portfolio Holder taken since the Committee’s previous meeting on 7^th December 2010 were noted.

Report DRR11/001

Members considered a draft 2011/12 Budget for the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio incorporating cost pressures and additional saving options as reported to the Executive on 12^th January 2011. 

The Executive requested that each PDS Committee consider the proposals arising from the report to its 12th January meeting entitled “The Local Government Finance Settlement 2011/12 to 2012/13 and Related Budget Issues”.

For the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio, commentary was provided in report DRR11/001 on the position for five areas namely the Cotmandene and Mottingham shops, the Field Studies Centre, the Adult Education Centre, income from Planning Applications and income from Building Control. Savings options across the Portfolio were also detailed for the consideration of Members.

Introducing the report, the Director outlined key issues from Bromley’s Local Government Finance Settlement and pressures for the Portfolio budget. For theCotmandene and Mottingham shops reference was made to the importance of keeping the shops open and the taking of management measures to enable this.

(i)  Proposed budget options for recreation

In considering the draft Budget further, the Assistant Director commented on proposed savings for recreation based on activities outlined at Appendix 1 to report DRR11/001. Referring to a proposed removal of subsidy to the Bromley Arts Council (BAC), Councillor Michael outlined the BAC Chairman’s views that it would be kinder to the Arts Council to have a 25% reduction in subsidy next year with a 25% reduction for each of the subsequent three years. With a complete withdrawal of subsidy there was a risk that the Ripley Arts Centre might have to be disposed of and Councillor Michael enquired of the BAC activities that would be covered in an amalgamation with the Churchill Theatre contract noting that this would mean transferring to a trading company rather than retaining the BAC as a registered trust. The Assistant Director acknowledged the merits of giving further thought to a structured subsidy reduction to the BAC and referred to the Ambassador Theatre Group taking on some of the activities currently undertaken by the Ripley Arts Centre. Councillor Papworth also recognised the merits of a structured subsidy reduction. Councillor Humphrys suggested that to compensate for any reduced or withdrawn subsidy the BAC might wish to increase revenue from functions such as wedding receptions held at their premises. Councillor Michael commented that the BAC had made efforts to raise funds over the past ten years and had made good progress in so doing. However the Arts Council had been hindered on property maintenance with a number of new regulations. Councillor Payne asked if the Business Support Group could offer advice to the BAC on measures to improve income and Members were advised that officers worked closely with the BAC. Overall it was felt that the £35k saving for 2012/13 should be made over three years to support the BAC and enable them to maintain their property for functions such as wedding receptions etc.

Councillor Humphrys also commented that there appeared to be a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.