The Chairman to Welcome all to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

The Chairman will request nominations for the Vice Chairman position.

Councillor Luxton nominated Councillor Cox and this was seconded by Councillor Shelim.

This was Unanimously Agreed by the Panel.

To receive any Apologies of Absence.

No Apologies of Absence received.

To Receive any Declarations of Interest.

Councillor Stretton declared that she had personal interest as she was the Chairman of the Drama Guild and they had the majority of their shows at Norden Farm.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting.

Councillor Stretton highlighted the following amendment:

“Councillor Stretton asked about why the Maidenhead Ceremony Room had gone

up.” To change to “Councillor Stretton asked about why the Maidenhead Ceremony Room hire charges had gone up.”

Councillor Stretton highlighted that none of the actions had been completed from the previous meeting. The Chairman reassured the Panel that all the actions would be completed by the next meeting on the 21 February.

Actions from the last meeting:

Councillor Stretton requested that a discussion be had at the Panel about York Road and the cultural quarter development. The Chairman agreed he would discuss this item with the Lead Member and look further into having on the Agenda at a future meeting.

David Scott informed the Panel that the meeting on the 6^th February was an additional meeting added for the 2018/19 Budget. The scheduled meeting was on 21^st February. David Scott provided the following updates:

Braywick Leisure Centre would be on the Agenda for the scheduled meeting on 21^st February.

The Chairman once again highlighted that all culture and community items need to come before the Culture and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

To receive a presentation from Norden Farm.

Norden Farm gave a presentation. (Attached).

Points highlighted from the presentation included:

·         Financial review of 2016-17

·         Financial achievements against forecast, April to December 2017.

·         Highlights of the year

·         Audiences and Participants

·         Community Engagement

·         Education and Outreach, including Farm Out

·         Special Projects such as Jump In!, The Lantern Parade, Young Leaders, The Beach

·         Plans for the future

The highlights of the financial performance:

·         Total sales were £1.35 million

·         Room hire costs had increased.

·         Film views had decreased.

·         The net income of 16/17 was similar to 17/18

·         46 staff employed

·         200 volunteers

·         £78,000 was the net deficit, £100,000 grant from RBWM, unchanged from 18 years

·         The Arts Council Funding had now been lost

Members  asked about the challenges, the future marketing plans and any reduced rates. It was reported that Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Christmas Panto Show had lost many schools, brownies, cubs as they were all going to another show, this had had a large impact, the ticket yields were down and advertising was very difficult. The marketing budget was very small, this was possibly a good thing for GDPR, the printing costs would reduce and we would only talk to people who were interested. Norden Farm would need to be very mindful of social media usage.

Jane Corry explained to Panel Members what Social Arts programme offered. Fifteen people who had become socially isolated as a result of illness, stroke, loss of a loved one would come together on a Monday and work with artists to make beautiful works. A communal lunch would be provided and each person would be collected from and dropped home. The aim of the project was to make a meaningful difference by signposting people to other things in the borough. WAM had been very helpful. This was a three year project costing £50K. This project would be coming to an end in December 2018. Norden Farm would be holding an exhibition in the summer and would be inviting Panel Members.

Councillor Cox asked how the comedy sessions had been going at Norden Farm. Jane Corry informed the Panel that comedy was on the rise and Norden Farm was a great vehicle to introduce new and diverse acts.

David Hill, consultant informed the Panel of the feasibility study process and the suggested new designs. The project would take six months. The main aim was to create more useable space and therefore generate more income for Norden Farm.

Councillor Cox asked about how much funds were needed for all stages and was told £100K in total from more than one source.

The aim was to be completed and open in September 2020.

Councillor Samantha Rayner informed the Panel the RBWM had been working very closely and in constant communication with Norden Farm.

The Chairman concluded that Norden Farm was a real jewel, ambitious and elegant.

To comment and agree recommendations as set out in the Cabinet report.

David Scott, Head of Communities, Enforcement & Partnerships, reminded the Panel that this was the annual process, the Panel had seen the provisional Report at the November Panel. The report would be going to Cabinet on 8 Feb 2018.

The following points had been highlighted:

·         Lowest council tax outside of London

·         The advantage card would still be used for lower rates of parking for residents

·         Keeping all 14 libraries open, some with increased opening hours

·         86% of schools in the borough are good or outstanding

·         We had a community grants scheme

·         We were making an investment for long-term capital on infrastructure

·         Regeneration of Maidenhead and other parts of the borough

·         Improvement of the fabric of Windsor

·         Braywick Leisure Centre and other improvements

The Panel are asked to note the draft budget proposals.

The Panel raised the following points:

·         Visitor parking would be increasing, season ticket due to increase, current Advantage Card tariffs were being retained. A consultation had been carried out with the Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce and their feedback had helped to shape the proposals. The parking in the borough was still very competitive compared to local areas.

·         How many more efficiencies need to be made? The efficiencies made were a result of new technologies and new opportunities.

·         One of the major capital cash-flows are the fit out of the Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre would be considered as a part of the whole York Road regeneration so why could we not put that on hold and use the monies for the refurbishment of the Desborough Suite. The Chairman explained that the Heritage Centre was a major piece of work and more significant than indicated in Appendix H.

·         The regulatory risks items were discussed and the Panel was informed that a migration plan was in place for all risks.

·         Councillor Stretton reminded the Panel that the peer review felt that it was now time for the borough to pause and embed. If the BLP were not to be delivered, we would not be able to achieve all of our commitments.

·         Councillor Samantha Rayner and Mark Taylor informed the Panel that there had been significant change last calendar year, bringing together two services into the new Library and Resident Service. This had gone remarkably smoothly as a result of good planning, consideration by all and staff effort. It was now time to Embed and let all the changes settle.

·         Councillor Stretton enquired about Oaks Leisure Centre timetable and the funding for that. She was advised that the timetable was still not set, the scheme was still at a development stage, prior to any preparation and construction work.

The Panel considered the report and noted all recommendations. The Panel felt content with the culture and communities element.

The Chairman reminded officers that all culture and communities items must pass through the Panel.

Panel Members to suggest items for future meetings. Clerk to add to work programme.

Councillor Stretton requested that the Cultural Quarter item be added to the work programme.

The Panel Unanimously Agreed.

Panel Members to note dates of future meetings:

21 February 2018

20 March 2018

16 May 2018

Members noted the following dates for future meetings:

Wednesday 21 February 2018 – Council Chamber, Town Hall

Tuesday 20 March 2018 – Council Chamber, Town Hall

Wednesday 16 May 2018 – Council Chamber, Town Hall