Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared

(a) To note the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 March, 2015

(b) Matters Arising

The minutes of the Communities and neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) meeting held on 25 March 2015 were signed as a true record.  There were no matters arising.

Report of the Executive Director of Place

Councillor Abbott, Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise, has been invited to attend for consideration of this item

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Place which sought approval for the development of a Coventry bid for the UK city of Culture 2021 title.  The report outlined the anticipated bid process and timescales, the bid feasibility work undertaken in Coventry to date and the expected commitments and benefits for the successful city being awarded (in 2017) the title of UK City of Culture 2021.

The Board questioned the officers on a number of issues and responses were provided. Matters raised included:

·  What work had taken place to date on the bid and the inclusion of young people being part of the development of the UK City of Culture 2021 bid

·  Working with smaller arts organisations

• Whether any potential reduction in Council funding for existing cultural assets or programmes such as libraries and the Godiva Festival could affect the outcome of the bid

·  Working with partners outside of Coventry and potential funding opportunities from businesses

·  Bid for European Capitals of Culture between 2020 and 2033 (including UK cities)

Members were fully supportive of the development of a bid in 2017 and were advised that the Cabinet meeting held on 7 July 2015 had approved the recommendations for Coventry developing a whole City bid for the title of UK City of Culture 2021. 

RESOLVED, that the Scrutiny Board note the contents of the report and a briefing note be submitted to Council on the 14 July 2015 recommending that:

1.  Children and young people are included in the development of the UK City of Culture 2021 bid.

2.  The steering group be advised to consider representation from the school and Further Education sector.

All outstanding issues have been included in the Work Programme

All outstanding issues have been included in the Work Programme.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board noted proposed changes to the work programme.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no additional items of public business.