Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Democratic Services Officer will read out the emergency evacuation procedure as set out in the notes.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Dave Wood.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Cllr Matt McCabe declared a non-registerable interest in agenda item number 12, Heritage Services Business Plan, because his wife is a Trustee for the Fashion Museum Foundation.  Cllr McCabe left the meeting when this item was discussed and took no part in the debate or decision.

There was no urgent business.

Questions submitted before the deadline will receive a reply from an appropriate Cabinet member or an undertaking to respond within 5 working days of the meeting.  Councillors may ask one supplementary question for each question they submit, up to a maximum of two per Councillor.

There were three questions from Councillors and no questions from members of the public.

[Copies of the questions and responses, including supplementary questions and responses if any, have been placed on the Minute book as Appendix 1 and are available on the Council's website.]

Councillors and members of the public may register their intention to make a statement if they notify the subject matter of their statement before the deadline.  Statements are limited to 3 minutes each.  The speaker may then be asked by Cabinet members to answer factual questions arising out of their statement.

There were no statements from members of the public or non-executive councillors.

Cllr Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, drew the attention of the Cabinet to the article published in the Bath Chronicle regarding the recommendations from the M4 to South Coast study.  The recommendation is that the primary strategic route to the South Coast will be the A350 from the M4, passing via Chippenham, Melksham and Westbury before connecting to the A36 at Warminster and continuing south.  The current network utilises the A36 and A46 through Bath as the main designated route.  Cllr Rigby was delighted with this outcome and thanked all officers and councillors that had worked towards this conclusion.

To be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 13^th February 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

This is a standard agenda item, to cover any reports originally placed on the Weekly List for single Member decision making, which have subsequently been the subject of a Cabinet Member requisition to the full Cabinet, under the Council’s procedural rules.

No single member items were requisitioned to Cabinet.

This is a standing agenda item (Constitution rule 3.3.14) for matters referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny bodies.  The Chair of the relevant Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel will have the right to attend and to introduce the Panel’s recommendations to Cabinet.

No matters were referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels.

To note the list of Cabinet Single Member decisions taken and published since the last Cabinet meeting (no debate).

The Cabinet agreed to note the report.

To consider the update of the Heritage Services Business Plan 2025-2030.  It covers the five financial years from 2025/26 to 2029/2030 and has been prepared following the annual in-depth review of business activity.

(Note: At this point Cllr Matt McCabe left the meeting having declared a non-registerable interest in this item.)

Cllr Kevin Guy introduced Rob Campbell, Head of Culture and Heritage, and invited him to make a presentation regarding the Heritage Services Business Plan.

The presentation covered the following issues:

·  The vision for the service is to “learn from the past, understand the present and shape the future”.

·  B&NES Heritage Services comprise The Roman Baths, The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Record Office, World Heritage Centre, Clore Learning Centre and the Fashion Museum.

·  The money from tourists is fed directly back to the community in which the tourism occurs.

·  The challenging sector-wide conditions have been met with cost saving and entrepreneurship.

·  Heritage Services will return an approximate surplus of £12m in 2024/25 which is equivalent to £145 per Council Tax household.

·  The service was awarded the “Best of the Best” award in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2024.  This is the highest level Tripadvisor award and means that B&NES is in the top 1% of listings worldwide.

·  The Fashion Museum proposals have been developed into one of the most cultural significant projects in the UK.

·  In 2025/26 challenging market conditions are anticipated but a range of proactive measures will be introduced to give the best opportunity to succeed.

A copy of the presentation slides is attached as an appendix to the minutes.

Cllr Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the amended officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  Cllr Roper highlighted the extensive activities and plans for Heritage Services for the next 5 years.

·  He emphasised the uniqueness and beauty of Bath and North East Somerset, highlighting its two UNESCO World Heritage Classifications.

·  Heritage Services operates as a separate business unit but is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

·  The Roman Baths attract over one million visitors annually, making it the second most visited payable attraction in the UK after Stonehenge.

·  Visitors significantly contribute to the local economy, with many staying in the city for extended periods.

·  Positive feedback and high ratings on Tripadvisor help maintain a steady flow of visitors.

·  Heritage Services engages in community activities, targeting learning and engagement, and supporting the neediest in the area.

·  The Clore Learning Centre and Victoria Art Gallery offer award-winning learning and engagement activities.

·  The Bath Records Office provides access to a vast archive, with plans to digitize records for greater accessibility.

·  Despite the closure of the Fashion Museum, the collection remains curated and is showcased globally.

·  Plans are underway to establish a new Fashion Museum in the Old Post Office building, a project of international significance.

·  Cllr Roper commended the Heritage Services team for their excellent work and highlighted the Liberal Democrat administration’s ambition and achievements.

Cllr Mark Elliott seconded the motion and made the following points:

·  Heritage Services are a valuable asset to Bath & North East Somerset residents.

·  They demonstrate expertise, business acumen, and creativity.

·  Heritage assets enrich the cultural depth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.