Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose of report

1.1          To provide an update to members of the range of activity which was arranged and organised by officers with our Twin and Sister cities through 2023/24.

1.2          To inform members of the process for future decision-making with regards to twinning proposals and requests.

1.3          To consider an officer request to formalise the existing time and work needed to support the twin and sister city support work to occur with the creation of a 0.6 role.

Recommendations

1)    That the work undertaken by officers with our twin and sister cities throughout 2023/24 be noted and that officers be encouraged to continue  these relationships to the benefit of the delivery of the City Vision

2)    That the process of future decision-making with regards to twinning requests be noted.

3)    That members agree to support the formation of a 0.6 role to formalise the existing staff time and work needed to enable the twin and sister city work to occur.

Claire Looney, Commissioning and Partnerships Manager, presented the report.

Councillor Pitt said that he had pushed for the Twinning Advisory Group to be re-established as there was not a clear process for establishing twinning relationships. Any proposal needed to be supported cross party. The Twinning Advisory Group would then make recommendations to Cabinet once they have fully assessed the proposals.

In response to a question about how the new post would be funded, Ms Looney said that it would be funded from within the existing cash limit. 

DECISIONS: the Cabinet Member:

1.    Noted the work undertaken by officers with our twin cities throughout 2023/24 and encouraged officers to continue these relationships to the benefit of the delivery of the City Vision.

2.    Noted the process of future decision making with regard to twinning requested.

3.    Agreed to support the formation of a 0.6 role to formalise the existing staff time and work needed to enable the twin and sister city work to occur.

Purpose

To update the Cabinet Member on the activities of Portsmouth BookFest 2024.

The report was introduced by Clare Liddell, Service Development Manager.

Councillor Pitt said that the festival was continuing to grow in stature and next year will be very special due to the Portsmouth Literature and Literacy Year with Portsmouth Creates.  

Councillor Vallely said she would like to know where the events take place and would be pleased to see more events in the north of the city.  Ms Liddell said she could send members a list of the venues.

Members were very pleased with the feedback and congratulated officers on their hard work.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.

Purpose

To reflect on the impact of the Skills and Labour Market strategy on Portsmouth during the 2023 year.

Stephanie Parker, Economic Growth Skills and Employment Officer, presented the report.

Councillor Vallely said she would like to see a breakdown of results for different wards and Ms Parker said she could provide this for members.

In response to a question from Councillor Pitt, regarding work on the 2025-2030 piece Jane Lamer, Head of Economic Growth and Skills said that next year they may come back with a standard review.  She added that they had seen a dramatic change on the level 4 data over the last year which they have challenged.  Officers continue to push and challenge O&S to ensure they are promoting the best opportunities for the residents.  

The Cabinet Member noted the report.

Purpose:

Summary of activity from The D-Day Story museum around the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. 

Ross Fairbrother, General Manager D Day Story, presented the report.

Councillor Pitt said that the amount of activity and media activity that has taken place is amazing.

Members felt that Portsmouth did the whole D Day week proud and the city was very well represented.  It was noted that there were a lot of schools missing from the main BBC event.  Councillor Pitt said that every school in the city was invited, and 850 children had accepted the invitation.  A number of schools who had accepted the invitation did not attend the event on the day which was disappointing.  He felt this was likely due to the schools not having enough people to chaperone the children.   

Councillor Vallely congratulated all those involved in the events and felt she had never seen such a good project as it encompassed so many different things.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.