Agenda and minutes

There were no Declarations of Interest to report. 

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism held on 15^th January, 2013, were considered.

In relation to Minute Number F.33 (Communication Updates), it was noted that the meeting that had taken place in relation to improving business tourism to local areas had been arranged by the Yorkshire and Humberside Local Authorities, and not the Local Enterprise Partnership Board as stated. 

Resolved: -  That, with the amendment shown above, the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as an accurate record for signature by the Cabinet Member. 

Resolved: -  That consideration of this report be deferred until a further meeting due to be held on Wednesday, 6^th February, 2013. 

Resolved: -  That consideration of this report be deferred until a further meeting due to be held on Wednesday, 6^th February, 2013. 

Resolved: -  That consideration of this report be deferred until a further meeting due to be held on Wednesday, 6^th February, 2013. 

Resolved: -  That consideration of this report be deferred until a further meeting due to be held on Wednesday, 6^th February, 2013.  

Resolved: -  That consideration of this report be deferred until a further meeting to be held on Wednesday, 6^th February, 2013. 

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Customer Services and CulturalManager, Environment and Development Services, which outlined consideration and proposals relating to the Heritage Service’s service delivery model, along with potential opportunities to release savings. 

This process had taken into account local need (including visitor surveys and current usage), Statutory requirements (including the Statutory duty with regard to public records and archives under the Freedom of Information Act) and available resources.

Two options for opening hours had been proposed and authorisation was requested to begin consultation with stakeholders, staff and service users.  The options were: -

Option 1: -

·         Close Clifton Park Museum and the Archives and Local Studies searchroom at 4.00 pm, Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays (currently closed at 5.00 pm).

·         Close Clifton Park Museum on Sundays (currently opened 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm).

This would not impact upon the Archives and Local Studies searchroom as it did not open on a Sunday.

Option 2: -

·         Close Clifton Park Museum and the Archives and Local Studies searchroom on one full day (currently open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, except Fridays).

This would probably lead to a realignment of which days the museum and the searchroom were open.

It was noted that the relocation of the York & Lancaster Regimental Museum to Clifton Park Museum would not be affected by the proposals.

The submitted report outlined the annual efficiency savings that would be achieved through the proposals.  The report also outlined the risks and uncertainties that could follow if either option was adopted.  The Customer and Cultural Services Manager confirmed that the implementation of any changes would be managed to ensure that any risks were mitigated as far as possible and that on-going reviews would also take place.

Through the consultation process, alternative options may be suggested.  These would be considered and brought to the Cabinet Member in a further report outlining the outcomes of the process. 

Resolved: - (1)  That the proposal to reduce the opening hours at Clifton Park Museum by eight hours per week and to reduce the openings hours at the Archives and Local Studies searchroom by five hours per week be agreed. 

(2)  That consultation take place with customers and stakeholders on the allocation of the revised opening hours. 

(3)  That a further report be presented to the Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism outlining the outcome of the consultation process. 

(4)  That the opening days be changed if the Registration and Marriage Service is re-located to Clifton Park Museum. 

Resolved: -  That consideration of this item be deferred. 

Resolved: -  That the next meeting of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism take place on Wednesday 6^th February, 2013, to start at 1.30 pm in the Rotherham Town Hall.