Agenda item

The following question by Mr John Christie was put to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Hudspeth:

In February 2011 the Council agreed a proposal that the budget for the Mill Arts Centre be reduced by £90,000 from April 2013.

There has been no indication since then how this significant reduction is to be achieved and how the future of the Mill and Arts and Culture in the Banbury area is to be secured.

We are only three months away from the implementation of the cut and there have been no proposals put forward for public consultation in line with the Council’s policy on public consultation before decisions are made.

Would the Leader please confirm whether there are any proposals, consequent on the £90,000 cut, which would affect the management, staffing, and operational arrangements of the Mill and the Arts Culture and Educational offer for the Banbury area. If there are proposals would the Leader please state when public consultation on the proposals will take place, and following that consultation, when decisions are scheduled to be taken by the Cabinet and Council.

Councillor Fatemian answered in the following terms:

We recognise the importance of the Mill Art Centre for cultural and community life of Banbury, it is therefore our aspiration that we move to an arrangement which give the Mill Management Committee direct control of the centres funding and activities.  The reduction in funding of £90,000 will soon mean that we will be providing a direct grant of over £80,000 per annum.  We will also be continuing to provide and maintain the building itself.  We are currently consulting with OCC employed staff on the proposal to achieve the reduction of funding which would result, if agreed, in a new staffing structure under direct management of the Mill Management Committee being put in place.  This will let us and the Committee to ensure that all Mill’s resources are managed to the best effect.  We have worked closely with both the Mill Management Committee and Cherwell District Council in relation to these proposed changes.

All consultation of any reorganisation involving County Council staff has been undertaken internally it is not a public consultation exercise, it is regretful that this means a period of change and uncertainty for them but it is essential to undertake this properly.

With no change plans in the level and types of services provide by the Mill no public consultation will be required.  The decision to reduce the level of funding was taken as part of the budget setting process at full Council on 15 February 2011.  It is now a matter for the operational managers of the service to implement that decision.  No further action is therefore required on the part of the Cabinet or the Council, although I can confirm that both myself, my deputy as well as Council services portfolio holder – Councillor Heathcoat have been fully engaged with the process with officer and support the action that is being taken.  It will lead to greater sustainability for The Mill and enable them to play a full part of any regeneration of the canal side in Banbury.  The Centre can look forward to a more secure financial future, knowing that the County Council’s grant will be in place.

Mr Christie then put the following supplementary question to Mr Hudspeth:

Would the Leader agree from his reply that there is to be a fundamental change in the culture between the County Council and The Mill Management Centre and would he also agree that the Mill Management Centre and the County Council agreed to consult with the public in their document on any change.  And would he further please consider my view that this proposal is a key decision for the Cabinet in the Council today as it affects a fundamental change in the relationship between the Management and the County Council’s role and will be reconsider that there should be proper public consultation in line with the agreement.

Councillor Hudpseth replied in the following terms:

I am not sure whether that was one or five questions, I shall do my best to pick up all the points.

I think if you listen to my first statement which I will provide you a copy of, it is quite clear that this is an internal reorganisation.  Therefore no public consultation is taking place.  We are working with the Mill Management Committee to find the best solution to maintain this building and move forward Arts in Banbury generally, so I think my first answer covered all your questions.