To approve the withdrawal of the Arts Commissioning Grants to external organisations from 2014-15.

The Cabinet Member, Contracts & Assets introduced the report of the Cultural Services Manager proposing the withdrawal of the Arts Commissioning Grants to external organisations from 2014-15.

Councillor Powell acknowledged that none of the bodies referenced were in receipt of continuing funding arrangements and queried whether potential existed to maintain a contingency should any of the bodies be at risk of closure as a consequence of the decision. The Cabinet Member noted that support would be offered to enable groups to access alternative sources of funding; whilst a ‘disaster’ fund would exist exceptional circumstances would need to be evidenced to access this fund given the overall budgetary position and the agreed council priorities.

Members in attendance expressed concern at the impact of such funding reductions on the broader contribution made by the arts to the quality of life in the county.

Cllr Morgan stressed that the quality of the service offered by the organisations listed was not in question, but the use of public funding must be focussed on the essential priority services.

RESOLVED:  That the payments of Arts Commissioning Grants made by Herefordshire Council to external arts organisations are withdrawn from April 2014