Issue - meetings

A presentation is attached which gives an introduction on how commercial the Council is now and what is the future potential. (30 minutes)

Tim Richens – Divisional Director for Business Support gave a presentation on ‘How far can we commercialise public service?’ (A copy of the presentation slides are attached to the agenda for this meeting and held on the Council’s minute book for this Panel). The presentation covered the following:

·  Our Organisational Focus;

·  Where the Council spends money 2014/15 - £315.5m – gross spend before taking account of income;

·  Where money comes from to pay for all the services 2014/15 - £315.5m

·  Statutory Framework

·  Income 2014/15

·  West England City Region Deal-Growth Incentive

·  West of England Local Enterprise Partnership

·  Opportunities

·  What we are doing

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Furse asked several questions, he asked about how managing completion with private enterprise would work; is the Council eligible for a percentage of income outside Bath Quays; a solution regarding visitor contribution and day trippers. He stated that he was pleased to see the £770k per annum from the Bath Spa. The officer responded to the questions – he explained that the Localism Act covered the issue in that the Council is required not to subsidise a business in competition with other businesses. Regarding the City Deal, the officer explained that outside the zone, the Council gets normal rates and a new Somerset Business Rates Pool helps the Council keep a bit more. Regarding visitor contribution, the officer explained that this issue is ongoing as the plan for a £1 donation for the Roman Baths would not work as the Government has outlawed pre-ticked boxes on forms.

Councillor Barrett asked if the income from Parking is ring fenced. The officer explained that this has to be spent on Transport and Highways. Councillor Barrett asked about solar panels, the officer explained that the Government are reducing the subsidy rates but that the historical tariff is protected.

Councillor Pearce stated that the concept of the Council running businesses is interesting, he asked what the boundaries would be for this. The officer explained that there is technically no boundary but the Council would have to look at the level of risk and that generally it would have to be something in synergy with Council Services. The Strategic Director stated that it is a balance between risk and return and each case would be a matter of judgement.