Agenda and draft minutes

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The cabinet member referred to the filming of notice at meetings and attendees noted this information.

To receive any apologies for absence.

None.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business.

(Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item

where they appear. New items of Urgent Business will be dealt with under

agenda items 7&10 ).

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no declarations of interest.

No public questions were received within the statutory timeframe.

The cabinet member for Culture and Leisure considered a report which sought approval for the hire of Finsbury Park to stage two multi-event weekends each year for a five-year period.

Cllr Worrell and Cllr Abela joined the meeting online and asked questions on the report and decision. The following was noted:

·         Regarding fee changes for the hire of the park over the proposed five-year hire period, it was explained that the hirer will be charged in line with inflation. The Council’s fees and charges policy and meant that hire fees are reviewed each year and changes agreed by Cabinet.

·         There were several clauses in the contract that described grounds for termination. This information was commercially sensitive, but assurance was provided that these were standard clauses to protect the legal position of the council.

·         The hirer had specific contractual responsibilities regarding the environment, and this was part of the Event Management Planning Strategy. Post- event analysis would assess if any damage was caused to the environment. All concerns and issues would be picked up at an operational level and dealt with accordingly.

·         Regarding the decision’s classification as a 'Non-Key Decision' in view of the decision impacting more than one ward. It was noted that legal advice had previously been sought on this matter. Technically, the event only sat in one ward. Although there was an effect on other wards, this was considered temporary and therefore did not meet the criteria. There have been consultations with other recognised stakeholders within all surrounding wards and boroughs regarding the event, and these responses were included in the decision-making reports to inform the decision.

·         In response to the increased capacity offered to Krank Events and the value for money the council would receive, it was noted that this was only a 2% increase from 5% of the park to 7%. This meeting could not comment on the discussions held at Licensing committee on the increased footprint. Assurance was provided that the layout of the site for the event recognised the tree space. It was noted that the slightly increased area also relieves some pressure on the trees in this vicinity. Cllr Arkell advised that the charging structure was agreed by Cabinet and the charge for the site will reflect the number of tickets sold. With the increase in capacity more tickets would be sold and thus a good return would be likely.

·         A question was then raised about ecology monitoring. It was noted that Hirers were required to follow the Biodiversity Review guidance as well as sections of the contract on the protection of trees. Until the full Biodiversity Review had been agreed, the hirers had employed an Ecologist to make sure that the roots of trees were not inadvertently damaged. A Conservation Officer would also be onsite to make sure the hirers are keeping to council expectations.

·         The availability of locally sourced produce at the event was also queried, as well as the chance of local employment opportunities.  Sarah Jones said she would follow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

As per item 3.

There were no items of urgent business.

Item 9 is likely to be subject to a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting as it contains exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended by Section 12A of the Local Government Act 1985); paras 3 and 5, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

To exclude the Press and Public.

Exempt information pertaining to item above.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure considered the exempt information.

As per item 3.

There were no items of exempt urgent business.