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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Apologies had been received from Cllrs Henshaw and Thomson.
None received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item enabled them to scrutinise progress in implementing the Music Strategy, and to scrutinise work on the Cardiff Music City Festival, scheduled for this autumn. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Burke – Cabinet Member; Ruth Cayford – Operational Manager – Creative Industries and Cultural Development; Jon Day – Operational Manager, Tourism and Investment and Kieron Jones – Music Officer. Members were reminded that if they have questions on additional programming specifics or on budgets, the meeting would need to go into closed session as that information is deemed confidential, due to commercial sensitivity. (Paragraphs 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972). The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. Members noted the cut in youth provision at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and asked about the impact on the Music Festival and Music Strategy. Members heard that Officers are working closely with talent development officers and have meetings scheduled to look at where there are gaps that can be picked up and filled by the Council. This could also allow for a broader spectrum of music too and an action plan would be put in place. Members were keen to have sight of the action plan. Members noted that there was no Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) in the papers. Officers advised that EIA’s are important and would be included in reports to ensure inclusivity, however no report was being presented to Committee, just an update. Members discussed accessibility and were pleased to hear that officers and, importantly partners, are planning an inclusive event. The festival will support adaptations to increase physical accessibility and ensure it is neurodivergent-friendly by providing quiet spaces. Additionally, the festival will feature take-over, pop-up, and free events, along with various cultural installations. Members were also pleased with the One Planet Cardiff approach being adopted to ensure the festival is environmentally sustainable. An impact assessment will be undertaken to evaluate the economic impact, impact on young people, and environmental impact. Members asked about the current thoughts/plans around building the event in years to come. Officers advised that in the application to Welsh Government, they had stated they wanted an annual event, and this year would be the pilot year. If budget allows, then the intention would be to keep up the impetus. Members heard that this inaugural year aimed to build a strong foundation and good reputation to enable sustainable expansion in the future. Members were pleased to hear that the focus is on creating a progressive festival that pushes the boundaries of music innovation and performance, supports independent artists and venues, and includes fringe activities, city-wide cultural events, and gigs in unexpected places. A discussion took place around the funding for the festival. Members noted that the Welsh Government Major Events grant has provided £600,000 for this year. Officers advised that separate bids would need to be made for funding in future years. Members agreed with the point made by officers that multi-year funding would be beneficial, particularly as it would enable the festival to book artists whose schedules are planned years in advance. Members asked about stewarding for the festival. Officers advised that they will be working with established venues and have plans in place, as well working with a pool of volunteers. Members were interested to hear whether the festival was purely contemporary music or whether there would be scope for other genres such as classical or jazz. Officers advised that initially the core programme would be contemporary music, but once in place other genres would be included in the programme as well as in the fringe events across the city. Members sought clarification regarding the decision-making and governance procedures for the grant funding allocated to Cardiff Council for the Cardiff Music City Festival. Members also asked which body is responsible for making the decision on the allocation of the Welsh Government Major Events grant funding. Additionally, they were interested in knowing if there are any specific criteria set for this allocation. Furthermore, Members wished to have sight of a copy of the funding application and the approval letter from the Welsh Government, to review the criteria, targets, impact monitoring, and governance structures. Questions were asked around young people and environmental impact assessments, particularly with regard to the fringe aspects of the festival. Officers advised that they would have to do a substantial evaluation of this and look at the wider impact on young people and the environment and the sustainability of the event. Officers added that it would be a city-based festival, accessible to residents but also bringing in people from outside the city. There would need to be consideration given to active travel to events, sustainable and local supply chains, waste and recycling as well as how communication and engagement takes place. Responding to a question on whether consideration had been given to working with charities such as Music Venue Trust (MVT), Officers advised that they already work with them quite closely and that it is really important that the music strategy works with grass roots venues, giving young people the opportunity to learn instruments etc. Members were interested to learn about what was being done with regards to providing opportunities for independent musicians in Cardiff. Officers explained that the majority of the music strategy work is with independent and grass roots music venues. The Swn festival is almost completely grass roots and there will be open calls where independent musicians can respond. Working with larger organisations gets the exposure needed, but there is an emphasis on including the independent sector and there have been recent examples of this with BBC 6 Music and Huw Stephens in Clwb Ifor Bach. Members asked how the independent music gigs will be promoted and how the Council can help with this. It was explained that there is a marketing strategy and PR plan, Officers work with ‘Working Word’ who are Cardiff based and very experienced. Alongside the marketing plans targeted at the right audiences there will be pop-up and installation events and lots of PR and media activity. People will also be encouraged to follow the Social Media feeds of Cardiff Music City, look at the website and join mailing lists. Members asked whether there would be any free events given the current cost of living crisis. Officers advised that they are very aware of this and also of the prices of the bigger artist gigs so there will be free events, not just music based but also art/installations/free activities, so that everyone is included and involved. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this report sets out proposals to protect 11 parks and open spaces from future development by working with Fields in Trust via a Deed of Designation. Committee’s scrutiny should focus on the process for selecting the chosen sites, the Deed of Designation mechanism, the proposed consultation, and how risks and implications for the Council have been identified and mitigated. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Thomas – Leader (who is standing in for Cllr Burke given that the report includes proposals in Cllr Burke’s ward); Jon Maidment – Head of Parks and Harbour Authority and Rhodri Edwards – Parks Planning Manager. The Leader was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. A discussion took place around the importance of conducting thorough Single Impact Assessments, particularly Equality Impact Assessments, in the decision-making process for selecting sites to be protected under Fields in Trust. These assessments being crucial because they can reveal how protecting certain sites might differentially benefit various community groups. For instance, some sites may be particularly popular among young people, while others might be more accessible for wheelchair users, thus ensuring that the protection of these sites can address the specific needs and preferences of different groups. Members acknowledged that the proposals for protection will not change the current access arrangements or the provision of facilities in the parks. It was noted that while the protection status itself is valuable, it does not inherently modify the existing infrastructure or accessibility of the parks and the emphasis on meaningful impact assessments is about recognising and preserving the diverse utility of these spaces for all community members. Members noted that the Deed of Dedication had not been included in their papers and they considered this would have been useful for more effective scrutiny. Officers agreed to provide this going forward. Members sought clarification on what Fields in Trust status means in terms of what the Council can and cannot build or develop on the land. Officers explained that Fields in Trust status places specific limitations on what can be developed or built on the protected land to ensure it remains dedicated to outdoor use and accessible to the public. The Council can develop facilities that enhance and support the outdoor use of the space. However, the status restricts the construction of facilities that do not support outdoor use or could diminish public access. Members discussed the parks on the list and how the list is determined, criteria etc. Officers advised that the Council determines the list based on Fields in trust rationale around protecting strategically important spaces. The Leader stated that the Council has been through this process twice in the past 12 years and this is the first time that a consultation has taken place, there are already 6 sites in this arrangement, and they are working well. The Youth Council representative referred to the recent Cardiff Commitment consultation, which involved gathering insights from young people about their use of open spaces in Cardiff and identifying which spaces they prefer. This data could provide valuable input for making informed decisions about which sites to put forward for Fields in Trust protection. Officers acknowledged that they were not aware of this data but committed to investigating it further. The Youth Council representative asked whether there could be more promotion around bio-diversity when the Fields in Trust protection is in place and Officers said that they could certainly do that alongside promoting work with volunteer groups. A discussion took place around the reasons why the Council is not seeking Fields in Trust protection for all parks and open spaces. Officers explained that the two main reasons are; Administrative Burden, applying for protection is resource-intensive, involving significant time and effort from parks, strategic estates, and legal officers. The process takes approximately six months to complete; Retaining Flexibility, the Cabinet aims to avoid constraining future administrations by ensuring the Council can respond to unforeseen situations, this flexibility being necessary to adapt to future needs that may arise. Members acknowledged that the Council is committed to enhancing parks and open spaces in Cardiff and that the parks and open spaces not included in the current proposed list for Fields in Trust protection are not at risk of change of use or disposal. Members considered that this key message should be communicated effectively during the consultation to alleviate any concerns. Members also noted that the administration is open to considering another round of Fields in Trust proposals in the future. Members asked about the timescales for decisions regarding changes of use and/or disposal of protected sites. They noted that there is an application process in place and that Fields in Trust aims to respond to applications within one month of receipt. However, they are aware that recent cases in Cardiff, such as the Maindy Park application to the Charity Commission, have taken a long time to resolve. Given these experiences, Members considered it would be prudent for the Council and Fields in Trust to agree on a suitable decision-making timeframe. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that there are two full responses and two partial responses currently outstanding.
None received.
Proposed date of next meeting – 18/06/2024 at 4.30pm.
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