Decision details

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the importance of the events and festivals industry to economic development and tourism, and which sought approval for the provision of a budget to support a strategic portfolio of events and festivals across Argyll and Bute beyond 2018/19.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed to –

1.    Recommend to Council that the 19/20 budget be set at £113k (excluding the Mod) and note that future budget levels will be subject to decisions taken as part of the Council’s budget process.

2.    Approve the key principles of the new grant application process.

3.    The new grant process being fully developed by officers over the next two months and open for 2019/20 bids in August 2018 for a period of six weeks (allowing sufficient lead in time to allow organisers to apply to and be given a decision well in advance of any events being held in 2019/20).

4.    Following assessment of the funding bids received, that a report will be brought back to the Policy and Resources Committee for consideration and endorsement by Members.

5.    Discussions being held with the Royal National Mod in regard to future plans for Argyll and Bute to host the Royal National Mod and that a report is brought back to members for consideration following these discussions to determine the best course of action.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated May 2018, submitted)