Decision details

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1. Approve the Bath Christmas Market for 2021, from Thursday 25th November to Sunday 12th December, as set out in Appendix one (SAGE proposal).

2. Approve capital budget of £27,200 funded from revenue for the purpose of financing 2021/22 improvements to chalets.

3. Approve the creation of a smoothing capital replacement reserve to be funded from annual profits.

4. Delegate to the Director of Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, Communities & Culture, SAGE and the Director of Public Health, key gateway decision dates on whether to:

(1)  Scale back the plans

(2)  Cancel the event

A decision-making framework incorporating Covid-19 related indicators, national guidance on Covid-19 restrictions and risk mitigation measures is appended at Appendix six. Decision dates will be aligned with financial milestones. This process aims to reduce both risk to public health and pressure on council budgets.

The Bath Christmas Market transferred from Visit Bath to the Council in January 2021.

With the expected lifting of social distancing measures in June, or at some point shortly after,  the Council now needs to decide whether to proceed with planning and delivery of Bath Christmas Market in 2021, with the uncertainty over the pandemic and variants of concern entering the UK.

The Bath Christmas Market provides the gateway to an annual economic uplift for multiple commercial sectors such as accommodation, retail, hospitality and tourism in the B&NES region. The market gives a platform to local charities and supports community groups through a wide range of projects and local initiatives.

As per report.