Archived decisions

a R.J. Baulk

p A. Broadhurst

p P.J. Chegwyn

p Dr R.J. Ellis

p E.F. Gale MBE

p R.J. Kimber

p P.K. Mason

p J.J. Maxwell

a R.H. Price

p A.W. Rice, TD

p D.F. Wright

49

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

ACTION

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors Baulk and Price; in the latter connection, all Members joined with the Chairman in extending their congratulations and best wishes to Councillor Price on his recent marriage.

Chief Executive (Colin Hinxman)

50

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or a personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should declare their personal interest and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with paragraph 12 of the Code. No such declarations were made on this occasion.

51

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 July, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

52

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman and Director of Recreation and Heritage reported on the recent conference held at The Barbican, London on 20 September : the Future of Cultural and Leisure Services. Whilst they agreed that presentations at the conference had not come up with anything radically new, both had come away with the impression that cultural services were seen as a key element in local planning and local area agreements. The way to achieve cultural services which met people's aspirations was by way of partnership and multi-area agreements between Local Authorities crossing traditional boundaries. There was also a recognition of the value provided by cultural services in terms of the County Council's corporate priority "Maximising well-being".

53

THE "EDGE" PROGRAMME

The Committee considered presentations on the impact and outcomes of the "Edge" programme from:

· Hampshire Museums Trust (Ian Smith)

· Youth Theatre and Arts (Louise Rickwood)

· Hampshire Museums Service - Dress and Textiles (Sue Washington)

Copies of the presentations are set out as item 5 in the Minute Book. Members welcomed the approach of engaging young people's interests in museums-related topics by giving them a sense of ownership and developing projects such as exhibitions or other events which were of interest and relevance to them. Several hoped that the activities, currently based in Basingstoke, cold be extended to other areas of the County where they would be of benefit, although recognised that this depended on stable funding being secured. They suggested that the three presentations could with benefit be repeated for Members of the Children and Young People's Select Committee.

Chief Executive (Emma Gordon/

Karen Widdowson)

54

DRAFT CULTURAL STRATEGY

The Committee considered a presentation by the Director of Recreation and Heritage (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the outline consultation draft of the document, which it was hoped to issue shortly for observations to partners and other interested parties. Members suggested the following approaches to obtaining a wide variety of points of view:

· Refer the draft to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association

· Involve the group of County/District Cultural Portfolio holders convened by Councillor Mrs Snaith

· Arrange a seminar for Committee Members to secure their input

· Reinforce the links between cultural strategy and the plans of other County Council departments

· Need to find means of involving youth, elderly and minority ethnic groups

The Director of Recreation and Heritage indicated that he would welcome all comments and observations from Members, whether individually or collectively.

Director of Recreation and Heritage (Stuart Dorward)

55

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE REVIEW

The Chairman explained that the final report was being prepared for consideration by a special meeting of the Panel to be held on 19 December 2007 at 2 pm. It would then be referred to the Committee's January meeting and to the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage's January Decision Day, both on 24 January.

56

REVIEW OF OUTDOOR/FIELD/RURAL STUDY CENTRES IN HAMPSHIRE

The Chairman reported that a meeting of the Scrutiny Panel to receive evidence from witnesses was being held later that afternoon on 18 October. This would be followed by a further meeting on 17 December 2007 at 2 pm when the Panel's final report would be prepared. This would also be referred to the Committee's January meeting and to the Executive Member of

Recreation and Heritage's Decision Day in January and to other Executive decision days as appropriate.

57

FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME

The Committee received and noted the report of the Chief Executive (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on the programme of future issues that might require scrutiny by the Committee