Agenda item

The Executive RESOLVED that

(i)            approval be given for additional in-year budget of £55,000 through a supplementary estimate for a one-off grant to be awarded to Collectively Camberley Limited in order to contribute towards the delivery of events to support the economic prosperity of the town centre;

(ii)                approval be given for a supplementary estimate of £5,000 to be added to the current capital programme to provide a capital grant to Collectively Camberley Limited, and

(iii)              authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Environment and Community in consultation with the Economic Development & Transformation Portfolio Holder to award the grant, subject to the provision of a costed business case.

The Executive considered a request to make an additional financial contribution to Collectively Camberley Limited Business Improvement District (BID) to facilitate additional events in Camberley Town Centre. The BID had been asked to produce a list of events which it believed would attract additional footfall and raise the awareness and reputation of the town centre, which would support the Council’s significant property holdings in the town.

It was proposed that a grant contribution of £60,000 be allocated to fund additional events in the town centre. This consisted of a one-off grant of £55,000 to contribute towards the delivery of events and a capital grant of £5,000 to cover the provision of equipment. The proposed projects and amount allocated to each event were:

(i)            Spring Trail - £20,000

(ii)          Summer Beach Party - £30,000

(iii)         ChristmasCon - £5,000

The proposal was discussed and concerns were expressed by some Members about the expenditure of funding on these activities, taking into account the national economic situation and the Council’s budgetary position. It was also suggested that a business case demonstrating should be produced prior to any funding being allocated. In response to specific concerns raised about the Christmas Con event, it was advised that consideration was being given to altering the event to give more focus on independent local music.

RESOLVED that

(i)     approval be given for additional in-year budget of £55,000 through a supplementary estimate for a one-off grant to be awarded to Collectively Camberley Limited in order to contribute towards the delivery of events to support the economic prosperity of the town centre;

(ii)   approval be given for a supplementary estimate of £5,000 to be added to the current capital programme to provide a capital grant to Collectively Camberley Limited, and

(iii)  authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Environment and Community in consultation with the Economic Development & Transformation Portfolio Holder to award the grant, subject to the provision of a costed business case.

Note: In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct Councillor Shaun Garrett declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was the Council’s appointed representative on the Board of Collectively Camberley Ltd.