Decision details

The Executive was informed that a consultation had commenced to ascertain the community’s view on how local Heritage Services would be delivered in future. It was proposed that the new re-focused service would commence April 2018. Members noted a number of the options being considered for the re-focused service. It was also noted that the fixed service based at Surrey Heath House currently averaged 1 to 2 visitors per day.

In order to allow the Heritage Team to consult and develop a modernised Heritage Service, there would not be active exhibitions from October 2017. Concerns about this decision were expressed by some Members who suggested that the retention of current arrangements should not be discounted and should be included as a consultation option.

It was emphasised that, once the consultation had concluded, a further report with proposals for a re-focused service would be considered by the Executive.

RESOLVED

(i)          to note that a consultation process seeking community opinion on what it would like from its Heritage service has commenced;

(ii)        that, in order to allow staff to undertake a thorough consultation, no  active exhibitions will take place during the consultation; and

(iii)      a further report with proposals for a new re-focused service be brought to the Executive following the conclusion of the consultation.