Issue - meetings

There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Guy introduced the item and the officer gave a presentation which covered the following: 

·  Heritage Service Business Plan – Early Stage Briefing

·  Vision

·  Strategic Priorities

·  Roman Baths 2024/25 - Challenging Market Conditions

·  Additional Income Generation

·  Value for Money – Benchmarking/Awards

·  2025/26 Service KPIs

·  2025/26 Key Activity

·  2025/26 Risk

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

Councillor Moss asked that the figures (KPI slide) regarding increase in net profit p/council tax household be checked.

Councillor Halsall asked how we can support other heritage assets outside of the city. The officer stated that this presentation has focused on the assets in Bath as part of the business plan but the service is also responsible for culture and tourism across the area. He explained that cultural plans for BANES are being worked on as we can think more widely having steadied the ship post Covid.

Councillor Halsall asked how we can develop our understanding of the past while looking to the future with apprenticeships and training. The officer stated the service has a strong track record on apprenticeships. The Council Leader stated that satisfaction of staff in the service is very high, he praised the officer and his team.

Councillor Blackburn asked if the discovery card provided data and if this will be captured with the new CRM. The officer explained that data on Council owned sites can be collected. The CRM will collect data on new packages such as the family trails.

In response to a query from Councillor Blackburn regarding ticket prices, the officer stated that he would come back to the Panel will a full answer in the future. He explained that setting a ticket price is a tight rope, good value scores have to be considered.

Councillor Blackburn asked about the Far East market. The officer explained that we engage with the Chinese Embassy via Visit West.

Councillor Moss thanked the Council Leader and officer for the early opportunity for the Panel to see this information. He stated that he understood the focus on assets in Bath which are key in the budget but it would be useful to get numbers of people in groups (coaches/day trips/longer stays etc) and promote North East Somerset. The officer stated that some of that information is available such as group volumes, but we do not hold information regarding onward intentions. The Council Leader mentioned the Northeast Somerset cultural strategy – there have been discussions around how to get people to stay longer and visit the wider area.

The Chair thanked the Council Leader and officer.