Issue - meetings

Recommendation CE 23/17 of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 14 June 2023

Consideration was given to recommendation CE 23/17 of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 14 June 2023.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the proposed amendments to the Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form, as detailed in Annexes 1 and 2, be approved subject to:

-        a sliding scale schedule for payment of deposits, lawn hire fees and administration fees and the terms and conditions for cancellation and refund being investigated; and

-        agreed in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services and added to section 6 (Charging of the Policy;

(2)             a byelaw to address unauthorised use of the Borough Council’s public open space beprogressed

(Decision Notice D230063CAB)

Consideration was given to recommendation CE 23/17 of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 14 June 2023.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the proposed amendments to the Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form, as detailed in Annexes 1 and 2, be approved subject to:

-        a sliding scale schedule for payment of deposits, lawn hire fees and administration fees and the terms and conditions for cancellation and refund being investigated; and

-        agreed in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services and added to section 6 (Charging of the Policy;

(2)             a byelaw to address unauthorised use of the Borough Council’s public open space beprogressed

This report brings forward suggested amendments for consideration in regard to the Councils Events on Open Spaces Policy and Events on Open Spaces application form. The Committee is requested to consider the suggested amendments and make recommendations to Cabinet.

(Report of Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services)

Consideration was given to a number of amendments in respect of the Borough Council’s Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form.  A copy of the current Policy and application form were attached at Annexes 1 and 2.

The proposed amendments related to increased financial checks of the organiser for larger scale commercial events over £2,500.00 in value; deposits to be taken from all events to repair damage and cover repair works to grassed areas and inclusion of Prevent guidance.

In addition, an introduction of a Byelaw was recommended to protect the Borough Council against event organisers using public open space without approval being granted.

The proposed introduction of additional financial checks on Events on Open Spaces for larger events, together with additional details to recharge for costs incurred offered greater financial control over the use of the Borough Council’s land.

Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that:

(1)          the proposed amendments to the Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form, as detailed in Annexes 1 and 2, be approved; and

(2)          a byelaw to address unauthorised use of the Borough Council’s public open space be progressed.

Consideration was given to a number of amendments in respect of the Borough Council’s Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form.  A copy of the current Policy and application form were attached at Annexes 1 and 2.

The proposed amendments related to increased financial checks of the organiser for larger scale commercial events over £2,500.00 in value; deposits to be taken from all events to repair damage and cover repair works to grassed areas and inclusion of Prevent guidance.

In addition, an introduction of a Byelaw was recommended to protect the Borough Council against event organisers using public open space without approval being granted.

The proposed introduction of additional financial checks on Events on Open Spaces for larger events, together with additional details to recharge for costs incurred offered greater financial control over the use of the Borough Council’s land.

Members felt that it would be beneficial for a timeframe for payment of deposits and hire fees and the terms and conditions for cancellation and refund to be set out in the Charging section of the Policy.

RECOMMENDED*: That

(1)          the proposed amendments to the Events on Open Spaces Policy and application form, as detailed in Annexes 1 and 2, be approved, subject to a sliding scale schedule for payment of deposits, lawn hire fees and administration fees and the terms and conditions for cancellation and refund being investigated, agreed, and added to section 6 (Charging) of the Policy; and

(2)          a byelaw to address unauthorised use of the Borough Council’s public open space be progressed.

* Referred to Cabinet