Agenda item

To receive a briefing in respect of progress in implementation of the Cultural Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report identifying how the Borough’s Cultural Strategy has been implemented over the past year through the formation of the Rotherham Cultural Partnership Board with its associated partners. The report highlighted the “7 Game Changer” themes that The Cultural Partnership Board has developed in order to deliver its mission, and it highlighted the successes of the reporting partnerships.

The report further provided details regarding a selection of the projects the Strategy has delivered over the past year and noted a number of future action points. The Cabinet member noted the innovative and engaging work that has taken place, and introduced the possibility of a potential eighth “Game Changer” related to physical activity.

In discussion, Members asked how the pandemic has affected the existing cultural offer, such as Waleswood, ensuring that attractions were protect and survive for the post-pandemic offer for local residents and those outside of the area. In response, it was explained that the Council had proactively supported cultural and sports bodies to access grant funding opportunities to be able to continue post pandemic.

Regarding the Rotherham show, Members hoped as early a decision as possible would be made to limit the early expenses incurred by participating businesses and individuals.

Members also expressed hopes regarding the Moving Rotherham initiative, that the FA nationally and locally might be consulted, so that grassroots organisations are involved in getting young people connected to these activities. In response, it was acknowledged that this was a hugely exciting project and that the FA was actively involved and working closely with officers. A legacy plan had recently been submitted to the FA, which would include a part-time officer shared between Rotherham and Sheffield to support the Moving Rotherham initiative.

Members provided some very detailed feedback in respect of design improvement and typographical errors in the strategy document, which would be addressed following the meeting. Further commentary was provided on the issues of the chairing of the Cultural Partnership Board, with Members stating their preference for the relevant Cabinet Member to continue holding that position in view of their connection to all councillors and other partners. In response, the Cabinet Member indicated that the proposal for a representative of another body to take the Chair had come from her to demonstrate to other partners that the partnership was not all about the Council. It had been her intention for the Vice-Chair position to be filled by the relevant Cabinet Member to continue to provide leadership support to the partnership. Some additional discussion took place with regard to the inclusion of Boston Castle as part of ‘Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems’ and the need to include Rotherfed as a key part of the Cultural Partnership Board. Officers agreed to go away and review that position with a view to including them.

A plea was made to ensure that the Chesterfield Canal Steering Group continued to be a priority for the authority and assurances were provided that the Cultural Partnership Board has included it within its action plan and further work would be undertaken to support the use of the canal from leisure and wellbeing perspective.

Concerns were raised regarding the publication of a report by an organisation called Consumer Research Data which had detailed access to green spaces and leisure, which had not been particularly complimentary about the offer in the borough. Officers indicated that they were not aware of it, but would look into it after the meeting. However, it was further noted that fewer than 10% of residents in the borough lived more than 280metres away from a small green space that could be used for recreation or 480metres away from a larger green space area, and in comparison to other authority areas the borough was well served in respect of public green spaces.

In concluding the discussion on this item, the Chair referenced that the strategy referred to Rotherham as underperforming but it was not cldear in what way the borough was underperforming. In response, it was explained that Rotherham is under the national average for participation in sport and leisure. The strategic intent was to raise participation levels through activities in localities across the borough. Finally, the Chair reiterated the importance of the Marmot principles which had been reported recently to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That future consultation efforts ensure the perspectives of hard-to-reach members of our community are incorporated in the consultation.

3.    That clarification notes be provided around elements of the action plan where these have not been provided.