Agenda Item No. 14a
MATTER WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAS DECIDED
IS URGENT BY REASON OF THE NEED TO MAKE A DECISION BEFORE
27TH OCTOBER, 2007
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL
CABINET MEETING: 17TH OCTOBER,
2007
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL
COWBRIDGE FOOD AND DRINK
FESTIVAL
Purpose of Report
1.
To obtain authority to enter into a Deed of Grant with Cowbridge
Food Festival Limited to enable a grant of £10,000 to be paid to
Cowbridge Food Festival Limited and to vary the terms of the
existing Deed of Grant with Cowbridge Charter Trust as set out
below.
Background
2.
The fourth Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival is being held on the
weekend of 27th and 28th October, 2007.
The event has grown considerably since the first one in 2004 and it
is attracting a wide range of visitors, not just from South Wales,
but also England.
3.
The Cabinet Advisory Committee for Regeneration, Tourism and
Leisure received a report on the event at its meeting on
27th February, 2006 it was recommended:
(1)
That a grant of £10,000 be approved for the Cowbridge Food and
Drink Festival for 2006 from the Corporate Events Provision.
(2)
That the Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration, in
consultation with the Directorate of Legal and Regulatory Services,
produces a funding agreement, similar to previous years, with the
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival Committee to allow the Council to
gain maximum benefit from its grant contribution and to be kept
informed of the outcomes of the event.
(3)
That a grant of £10,000 per annum be awarded for 2007 and 2008 to
the Cowbridge Food Festival from the Corporate Events Provision,
provided the Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration
is satisfied with the outcomes of the previous year’s event.
Should the Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration
not be satisfied then a further report be presented to
Cabinet. All grants will also be subject to funding
availability, which would be confirmed, in writing, to the
Committee of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival on April of the
year of the event.
(4)
That the Cabinet Advisory Committee for Regeneration, Tourism and
Leisure be kept informed on the outcomes of the Cowbridge Food and
Drink Festival.
4.
Cabinet subsequently accepted the report at its meeting on
15th March, 2006 and agreed to adopt the
recommendations, (Cabinet Minute No. 2353 refers).
Relevant Issues and Options
5.
The Leader received a letter from John G. Davies (Chairman of
Cowbridge Food Festival Limited) in August, 2007. (Copy
attached
Appendix A - PDF). Subsequent to the 2006 Festival a
separate organisation – Cowbridge Food Festival Limited – has been
established. However, the Deed of Grant in respect of the
above resolution to award £10,000 pa for 2007 and 2008 refers to
the Cowbridge Charter trust. The Trust has handed over
ownership and running of the Festival to the new body so that the
trust can concentrate on other community activities. (Email
from Alan Crossley – Cowbridge Charter Trust Trustee – to the
Leader, dated 11th October, 2007 refers).
6.
Bearing in mind the Festival is about to occur Cabinet is requested
to agree the payment of the £10,000 to Cowbridge Food Festival
Limited and to the variation the existing Deed of Grant to reflect
early termination of the same.
Resource Implications (Financial and
Employment)
7.
Funding of £10,000 is available from the Events Provision for
2007/2008.
8.
A new Deed of Grant will have to be entered into with Cowbridge
Food Festival Limited and the existing Deed of Grant with Cowbridge
Charter Trust will have to be varied to reflect the proposed
funding arrangements and the role of the new organisation.
9.
The event has been well organised in the past and as such events of
this type reduce the potential for crime and disorder and assist in
creating strong communities.
10.
The event will benefit all sections of the communities.
11.
The event raises the profile of the Vale of Glamorgan and the
contribution of the Council and contributes to regeneration
objectives.
Policy Framework and Budget
12. This
report is a matter for Executive Decision by Cabinet.
Consultation (including Ward Member
Consultation
13.
In the limited time available there have been no consultations
carried out.
Appropriate Scrutiny Committee
14.
Economy and Environment.
RECOMMENDATIONS
(1)
That a cheque for £10,000 be paid to Cowbridge Food Festival
Limited as a matter of urgency.
(2)
That the existing Deed of Grant with Cowbridge Charter Trust be
varied and a new Deed of Grant entered into to reflect the change
in organisation of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival and the
role of Cowbridge Food Festival Limited.
(3)
That the Chief Executive use his emergency powers to facilitate
early payment of the Grant.
Reasons for Recommendations
(1) (2) and (3)
To enable the event to proceed.
Contact Officer – Chris Fray - Head of
Economic Development
and Leisure – Telephone No. 01446 704758.
Officers Consulted:
Principal Accountant
Operational Manager Legal Services –
(Committee Reports)
Operational Manager Leisure and Tourism