Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership Councillor Richard Cornelius, Leader of the Council opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Local Strategic Partnership held on 30^th January 2018 be approved.

The Chairman noted that the response to the Public Question had been published and circulated. There were no further supplementary questions.

Apologies were received from:

·         Councillor Daniel Thomas, London Borough of Barnet

·         Tom Nathan, Brent Cross Shopping Centre

·         James Kennedy, Middlesex University

·         Olivia Hargadon, Job Centre Plus

·         Dr Debbie Frost, who was substituted by Sophie Powling, Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group

The Chairman invited Ms Val White, Programme Director, Education and Learning to present the report. The Board received a presentation setting out the development of the Arts and Culture Strategy in the borough.

Ms White noted that the intention is for key partners to take joint ownership of the Arts and Culture Strategy and promote arts and culture for Barnet. Board Members were reminded of the workshop session taking place on 9^th November 2017 to consult on the priorities and vision for the Strategy.

The Board heard that the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee had considered a report on the arts and cultural opportunities in the borough at its meeting in February. Ms White informed the Board that a report on the Strategy will be reported to a future meeting of the CELS Committee.

Following a comment from the Board about making the most of opportunities, Ms White noted the aim to maximising the use of existing facilities to support local art initiatives. Ms White further noted that as this involves a partnership strategy, a joint approach is needed to consider how new opportunities can be identified and implemented in the community.

The Board received a briefing on the bidding process for the London Borough of Culture in 2021or 2022. Ms White explained that a bid could be made for 2021 or 2022 in the context of the Brent Cross Regeneration programme and through our partnership. The Board welcomed the opportunity for further partnership working and further promoting the role of arts and culture in the borough.

As part of the bidding process, the Board noted the need to engage with partners and communities at an early stage. In addition, the Board also highlighted the option of crowd funding and learning lessons from other Authorities who have submitted bids.

In respect of the development of the Strategy, the Board requested that the vision of the Strategy involves outreach work with the community, including the multi faith networks.

Board Members recognised the activities that occur within the borough in respect of dance and music activities and the need to promote this more widely.

The Chairman thanked the Board for the discussion and it was RESOLVED:

1.    That the Board noted the progress on the emerging arts and culture strategy, put forward ideas and proposals for contributions as above towards increasing arts and culture opportunities in the borough.

2.    The Board endorsed the proposal to bid to become a London Borough of Culture in 2021 or 2022 and noted that no bid will be made in this round.

The Chairman welcomed the report and invited Mr John Hooton, Chief Executive London Borough of Barnet, to introduce the item.

The Board noted the presentation delivered by Mr Hooton setting out the initiatives as part of the One Public Estate programme. The Board heard about the aims of the programme for further partnership working, efficient asset management and future funding opportunities.

Following a comment from the Board about the potential for developing health sites, the Board noted that going forward opportunities will be identified for NHS holdings to potentially be used as asset development.

It was RESOLVED that:

The Board noted the activity of public sector partners and offered suggestions, as above.

The Chairman thanked Board Members and Officers for their contributions. He welcomed partners to make suggestions for future agenda items to be considered and discussed at this Board.