Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Linda Symes.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to

1.    Provide an opportunity to consider the concept of an online crowdfunding platform, to review the various types of crowdfunding on the market and specifically to consider which are best suited to support the growth of local businesses in the City.

2.    Highlight the opportunity to procure an enhanced service from a single crowdfunding platform subject to the Cabinet Member agreeing that this service would support economic growth in the City and provide value for money.

3.    To note that match funding has been a successful way to promote projects and lists a variety of suitable match funding sources that could be allocated for local projects should they meet the grant criteria as set by each fund. 

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member notes

1.    That a number of crowdfunding platforms are already in existence and available to local businesses.

2.    That match funding could be used to support successful projects on this new platform that is dedicated for Portsmouth.

and that the Cabinet Member approves

3.    That the Council supports a 'best value for money' procurement process to provide the City with a bespoke and enhanced service from one of the existing crowdfunding platforms, at an estimated cost of £30,000 for three years, and that this will be funded from the portfolio reserve.

4.    The creation of an earmarked reserve for a sum of £40,000 to provide match funding to support projects that deliver outcomes in support of the council's economic growth & regeneration strategy and that this will be funded from the PRED portfolio reserve, with the allocation of funding to projects delegated to the Direction of Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Kim Pellett, SME Development Officer, presented the report on behalf of the Assistant Director for Planning & Economic Growth. In response to questions from members she clarified that

·      The crowdfunding platform will be a vehicle for business and social enterprise organisations to fundraise for projects. The report had been written over several months and the proposal is for the project to be funded as part of the PRED portfolio.  Once the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) process and funding has been reviewed and available, it will be also be available on the platform alongside this business grant scheme, to support voluntary and community groups. For example, if ward members wanted to support a particular project that did not fall within this £40,000 PRED match funding grant scheme they could request funding from CIL; in these instances CIL processes would still have to be followed.

·      The tendering process has already started due to time pressure and so far three companies have expressed interest but their names cannot be released at this stage.

·      Sue Page, Finance Manager, said that paragraph 15.2 should read that delegated responsibility is given to the portfolio holder in conjunction with the S151 Officer.

·      Councillor Udy requested that ethical issues and workers' rights should be taken into consideration when investing in companies.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member

1.    Noted that a number of crowdfunding platforms are already in existence and available to local businesses.

2.    Noted match funding could be used to support successful projects on this new platform that is dedicated for Portsmouth.

3.    Approved that the Council supports a 'best value for money' procurement process to provide the City with a bespoke and enhanced service from one of the existing crowdfunding platforms, at an estimated cost of £30,000 for three years, and that this will be funded from the portfolio reserve.

4.    Approved the creation of an earmarked reserve for a sum of £40,000 to provide match funding to support projects that deliver outcomes in support of the council's economic growth & regeneration strategy and that this will be funded from the PRED portfolio reserve, with the allocation of funding to projects delegated to the Direction of Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Purpose

To seek authorisation from the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development to explore and undertake a pilot scheme for a replacement system of the current decorative festoon lighting across the seafront.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

1.    Authorises officers  to explore and undertake a pilot lighting scheme in specific areas of the seafront with a longer term view to implementing a more cost effective lighting scheme across areas of the seafront once the pilot has been carried out an a full evaluation provided subject to available funding.

Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager, presented the report and clarified:

·           The proposed pilot would not include listed lighting columns.

·           The aim is for the pilot to include a winter so that it can be studied throughout a whole year of weather conditions. Different types of lighting might be trialled in different areas. For example, Canoe Lake has more trees than Castle Field so may have different requirements.

·           The needs of visually impaired people and those with other disabilities will be considered in the pilot.

·           Once the trial has started feedback will be taken at different times of year and using a variety of methods, for example, online or in person by talking to residents walking in the area.

The Cabinet Member said he had attended a cross-party briefing on coastal defences that week. Once plans for coastal defences have been approved a stakeholders' group will be created and the festoon lighting will feed into the group.

Purpose

To seek authorisation from the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development to develop a programme of work for the Richard Lancelyn Green Collection based on the successes of the City of Stories project.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

1.    Authorises officers to seek funding to support the development of a programme of activities to explore the 100^th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's advocacy for the Cottingley fairies and his renewed interest in Spiritualism.

Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager, and Laura Weston, Learning & Outreach Officer, presented the report, highlighting the following points:

·           Officers recognise the need for sensitivity around the subject of Spiritualism and respecting people's beliefs (there is a Spiritualist church in Portsmouth).

·           The range of programme activities will encompass all aspects of Spiritualism such as history and science. Activities can build on the strong interest shown in science workshops over the last two summers. Themes of fakery and trickery and the darker elements of Spiritualism could be explored.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member authorised officers to seek funding to support the development of a programme of activities to explore the 100^th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's advocacy for the Cottingley fairies and his renewed interest in Spiritualism.

Purpose

The report is for information only and the purpose is to inform the Cabinet Member of

1.    The forecast revenue expenditure for the year compared with the cash limited budget.

2.    The forecast capital expenditure against the revised capital programme for the Culture & City Development  portfolio.

22.      Monitoring of the First Quarter 2019-2020 Revenue Cash Limits and Capital Programme (for information only)

Sue Page, Finance Manager, presented the report, explaining that Planning has moved from the former PRED portfolio into Culture & City Development. Once the nitrates issue has been resolved then income from Planning fees should reduce the overspend.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.

Purpose

The report is for information only and the purpose is to inform the Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development of the contribution to the council's priorities made by community associations managing council owned community centres

Chris Richards, Community Projects Officer, presented the report and clarified

·           The Head of Housing was not aware that the five community centres managed by Housing did not want to participate in the survey.

·           The Cosham Community Centre now comes under Housing. A single response for Cosham was due to confusion with the Highbury Community Centre.

·           Residents living outside Portsmouth who use the community centres may be from minorities attending cultural events not available in their own areas.

The Cabinet Member noted the report. Members expressed their appreciation of the volunteers who work in community centres and contribute to their success.

Purpose

The report is for information only and the purpose is to update the Cabinet Member on the recently completed tender process for the repair of the Barrack Block Bridges at Fort Purbrook as outlined in the previous report to Culture, Leisure & Sport Decision meeting in March 2018.

Claire Looney, Partnership & Commissioning Manager, presented the report.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.