Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/053

Contact: Gabby Heycock, Area Manager C Tel: 07979 700292

Report by Area Manager, OFRS (CA6).

The OVO Energy Women's Tour have approached Oxfordshire to act as hosts for Britain's prestigious cycle race over the next three years.  Following a leaders’ meeting on 4 March all council's across Oxfordshire have agreed, in principle, to host the event for years 2019, 2020 and 2021.

This report is to be considered by the Cabinet to support Oxfordshire being a host venue for the next three years. 

As set out in this report by hosting this event, we will be contributing to delivery of our Corporate Plan and succeed in our vision of "Thriving communities" for everyone in Oxfordshire. Specifically, this will support "We help people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community." 

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)      support Oxfordshire being a host venue for the OVO Energy Women’s cycle tour in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(b)      agree the principle of an equal share of costs between the county, the four districts and the city council.

(c)      allocate a budget of £30,000 to pay the county council’s share of the costs in 2019.

(d)      recommend the council agree to fund the council’s share of the hosting fee for years two and three through the annual budget setting process (2020 and 2021).

(e)      agree that sponsorship, regardless of which partner attracts it, will be used to reduce the hosting costs on an equal basis.

Recommendations agreed.

The OVO Energy Women's Tour have approached Oxfordshire to act as hosts for Britain's prestigious cycle race over the next three years.  Following a leaders’ meeting on 4 March all council's across Oxfordshire have agreed, in principle, to host the event for years 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Cabinet considered a report seeking support to Oxfordshire being a host venue for the next three years.

Councillor Yvonne Constance moved the recommendations. Cabinet in warmly welcoming the proposals highlighted the need to ensure that villages affected by the race were fully informed. Councillor Bartholomew, as Cabinet Member for Finance whilst fully supportive of the event had concerns about entering into a three-year contract where the overall costs were unknown. He asked for a clarification of cost at the earliest opportunity.

RESOLVED:             to:

(a)      support Oxfordshire being a host venue for the OVO Energy Women’s cycle tour in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(b)      agree the principle of an equal share of costs between the county, the four districts and the city council.

(c)       allocate a budget of £30,000 to pay the county council’s share of the costs in 2019.

(d)      recommend the council agree to fund the council’s share of the hosting fee for years two and three through the annual budget setting process (2020 and 2021).

(e)      agree that sponsorship, regardless of which partner attracts it, will be used to reduce the hosting costs on an equal basis.