Agenda and minutes

To receive details of any Members appointed to attend the meeting instead of a Member of the Sub-Committee.

None.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Sub-Committee.

Mr Stephen Connelly, Great Bear Escapes. Made comments regarding his concerns regarding the refreshment kiosk on the Riverside. He explained that a number of businesses would like the opportunity to discuss their views regarding the opportunity to make the Riverside an outstanding place.

The Chairman explained that the Council were still at an early stage in their thinking about ideas for the Riverside and that a working party would be reporting back to this Sub-Committee at a future date.

Of the meeting held on 16th January 2018

to be approved and signed.

With reference to minute 20, a final draft on the One Town Review was to be circulated by the Corporate Director Finance and Resources.  This will be re-circulated.

With reference to minute 21, The Head of Finance undertook to obtain figures regarding how much income is generated by the lorries at Croft Road.

He was able to inform the Sub-Committee that the cost is £5 per 24 hours for lorries and coaches. The annual revenue is £10,000. It is not possible to determine how much revenue is raised solely by lorries.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th January 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

That the committee note the progress made in developing the riverside for generating additional income.

The Head of Finance updated the Committee regarding the riverside development. As agreed a Task and Finish group have been established and Place Partnership Limited (PPL) has been engaged to obtain quotations for work.

The Head of Finance answered Members’ questions and Member’s agreed that in light of Mr Connelly’s comments during Public Participation it made sense to consult with local businesses regarding future development. It was also felt that it would be useful to have a Map of the River Walkway.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the progress made in developing the riverside for generating additional income.

That the Committee notes the current position on the Council’s main income streams and considers the suggested areas of focus for 2018/19.

The Director of Finance and Resources presented his report on Income Baseline. He highlighted that there has been a 12% increase over the four years examined which has kept pace with or slightly exceeded inflation over that period. However much of this growth is projected to be achieved between 2017/8 and 2018/9. This suggests that the recent increased focus on income generation has already strengthened the Council’s ambition to grow income.

The Director of Finance and Resources answered Members’ questions. He explained that there were a number of income streams where there have been two years of consistent variance against the budget but where the budget has not been revised since 2016/17 These are the lines that should be targeted for specific budget review during 2018/19.

There was a discussion regarding other opportunities for generating income via joint work with the Commandery and other museums. It was also noted that the County Council’s registrar’s department held a list of venues with a licence to hold weddings. However, as the list is in alphabetical order the Guildhall does not appear until page 6 under ‘Worcester – Guildhall’. The Director of Place undertook to discuss this with the County Council.

The discussion moved on to events due to be held in the Guildhall in March. The Mayor’s ball and a charity boxing exhibition. It was noted that these events will bring in people from outside the area and will publicise the Guildhall.

A member asked if there were any restrictions on what the building can be used for. It was noted that it could be difficult to refuse bookings without a written policy. Currently the Democratic and Civic Services Manager uses her judgement as to which events take place. The Director of Finance and Resources agreed to discuss the issue.

RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the current position on the 

                   Council’s main income streams and considers the

                   suggested areas of focus for 2018/19.

That the Committee notes the current position on the Council’s main income streams and considers the suggested areas of focus for 2018/19.

The Income Generation Co-ordinator presented an update of her work since her commencement of her role in early January this year. The draft marketing plan is almost finalised, as is the weddings brochure. Work is also continuing on updating the website.  A Wedding Fair is to be held on 7^th October 2018. So far wedding bookings are up from 9 last year to 11 weddings already booked in – a great start as it is still early in the year.

Other key work involves supporting a dedicated wedding website, cost recovery around garden waste and examining what other councils charge for services that we currently do not make a charge.

The Income Generation Co-ordinator answered questions from Members.

All noted the attendants’ enthusiasm in acting as ambassadors for the Guildhall and the City Council.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the project update and current programme of work.

Which in the opinion of the Chairman is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

As this will be the last meeting Councillor Denham chairs, all members of the Committee thanked him for his work.