Decision details

With the permission of the Chair supplementary information was circulated that outlined the comments of the Members of the Community Select Committee and that expanded on the Equalities and Diversity Implications section of the covering report. 

Following his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Leisure thanked all the Members and officers who had assisted with the initiative, including the Assistant Director Communities and Neighbourhood and his team, particularly Jo Ward, the Museum Curator/Manager.

Members welcomed the development of the strategy and noted linkages to key priorities including Town Centre regeneration, the Council’s Co-operative principles and Community Neighbourhood Management.

Members were of the view that the draft document was an enabling strategy that would facilitate partnership working with a view to securing external funding to support delivery of key objectives.

A member referred to the public art works around Stevenage and indicated that, when in discussions with housing developers, consideration should be given to including art installations in any scheme.

The Executive highlighted a number of matters to address within specific sections of the draft strategy prior to the commencement of further consultation.

It was RESOLVED:

1.  That the draft cultural strategy is approved and the final draft be developed through the community select committee.

2.  That this draft be subject to further cultural stakeholder consultation and the final draft be submitted to the Executive for approval in March 2018. 

3. That In recognition of the Council’s financial constraints officers work co-operatively with local stakeholders, partner organisations and key external agencies to identify sources of funding which can support implementation of the strategy.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in the report and 3. To ensure that it was clear that the Council was not in a position to resource this initiative alone.

Other Options Considered:  As contained in the report.