Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council presented a report which acknowledged and assessed the impact of the celebratory events held in Wiltshire during 2012.

It was noted that over 225,000 people - half the population of Wiltshire - turned out to welcome The Queen when she visited Salisbury in May and to see the Olympic Torch when it was carried through sixteen towns, villages and Salisbury City in May and July. It was also noted that Wiltshire was the only County to have the Torch visit on two separate occasions, and that combined with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2012 had presented an opportunity to bring communities together, to showcase what the County had to offer in front of the national and worldwide media, and to provide a boost to the local economy.

A DVD was presented which showed highlights of these events and how well received they had been which would be made available to Area Boards on request.

Whilst the economic impact on the County as a result of the celebrations had yet to be fully assessed and realised, it was anticipated that the £290,000 spent by the Council had more than been justified.

The Leader explained that the emphasis now was to keep the momentum and  legacy going in our communities, the Council and the economy. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Legacy Steering Board to be chaired by the Leader and although the membership was yet to be agreed, would include relevant Cabinet members and officers and representatives from appropriate partner organisations. The Board would be supported by a delivery group, chaired by Laurie Bell to ensure delivery and evaluation of the ongoing legacy work.

The Leader paid tribute to and thanked all staff; the large number of staff who assisted at the events to ensure they were a success, but also to staff who ensured business as usual in delivering services to the residents of Wiltshire. The Leader also thanked the partner organisations involved. 

Councillors commented on how successful and well managed the events had been and also thanked staff for their efforts and hard work. A comment was made that any legacy work should involve the whole County and not just the town, villages and city where the celebrations took place and this was confirmed by the Leader.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)    acknowledges the events and the impact of these events in 2012 and the return on the Council’s investment and

b)      approves the proposal to set up a Legacy Steering Board and delivery group, membership to be agreed by the Leader, to ensure that the investment continues in future years.

Reason for Decision:

It is vital that the impact and outcomes delivered this year become part of an ongoing legacy that continues to strengthen and bring our local communities together and boost the local economy.