To consider the recommendations of the review of the Courtyard undertaken by the Social and Economic Development Scrutiny Committee.

THAT              (a)        the considerations in relation to the funding agreement and the position in relation to the original Capital Bid in 2004/05 be noted; and

(b)       the Recommendations of the Review be approved, subject to Recommendation 20.5 being amended to a 3-year funding agreement and 20.6 requiring a report back to the Executive

This report needs to be considered by Cabinet because Councillor Stockton, as the Cabinet Member for Community and Social Development is a Council-appointed board member of the Courtyard Centre for the Arts.

At the Social and Economic Development Scrutiny Committee on 24th September 2004, the Committee agreed to undertake a review and also agreed the Scoping Statement and the membership of the Review Group.

The Group conducted a review of The Courtyard with the objective of establishing the historic background of the establishment; reviewing the contribution Herefordshire Council makes and to consider how best to strike a balance between sustaining a key arts facility and the benefits to the wider community.  The aim of the review was to advise the Cabinet Member (Community and Social Development) on the best framework to put into place in respect of the future involvement of Herefordshire Council with The Courtyard.

The Review Group’s report was considered by the Social and Economic Development Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 31st January, 2005.  It endorsed the recommendations.  The report is attached.

The review was overwhelmingly supportive of the Courtyard and recognised its role as a centre for the Arts for the whole of Herefordshire not just a theatre.

None.