Contact: Stuart Dorward ext: 6110 e-mail: [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1. On 23 March 2006 the Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee considered a proposal to establish a public service board for culture in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) area. With the support of the Committee this proposal was subsequently endorsed by the Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage. The main purpose of the board is to guide the development of a joint strategic approach to cultural provision in the Borough.

1.2. The experience of working more closely with BDBC over the last two years through the board has been very positive and there is now the possibility of extending this approach to the Rushmoor Borough Council area, where a joint cultural strategy is under development..

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the Executive Member endorses the establishment of a public service board for culture with Rushmoor Borough Council.

3. Background

3.1. Working through formal and informal partnerships is a fundamental principle of the County Council's approach to developing wide ranging cultural provision for the people of Hampshire. This approach has levered in substantial funding to support the delivery of the County Council's cultural policy objectives and has allowed some measure of understanding to be developed with partners on desired outcomes, policy aims and specific objectives.

3.2. The establishment of the public service board with BDBC took this partnership a stage further and placed it on a more formal footing with senior member and officer representation from both authorities. The board operates within the requirements of the constitutions of the two authorities and its primary purpose is to lead and coordinate the development of cultural and leisure services in the Borough and act as a joint strategic planning forum on these issues.

3.3. In the last eighteen months, the County Council has become more involved in discussions with Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC)about the future of the cultural services and facilities in the Borough. Work has been started on the joint development of a cultural strategy for the Borough. RBC is aware of the BDBC public service board and is keen for similar arrangements to be put in place to allow senior members and officers to guide this development.

4. Impact Assessment

4.1. The aim of public service board for culture is to improve public access to culture and leisure provision for all sections of the community. Therefore no group or individual should be disadvantaged as a result the implementation of this proposal.

5. Financial Implications

5.1. There are no direct financial implications, other than the commitment of member and officer time.

6. Legal Implications

6.1. The public service board for culture operates within the constitutions of the partners.

Links to Corporate Strategy

Yes No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all _

Maximising well-being _

Enhancing our quality of place _

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

N.B. the list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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