Agenda item

  Report by Corporate Director Dr Carlton Brand

Councillor Richard Clewer presented the report which: informed Cabinet of an approach by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust to support a grant bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF); a recent submission for grant was unsuccessful due to the Museum not being able to demonstrate assured financial backing; and a fresh application would be submitted with help from the Council to improve the Museums chances of success.

The Cabinet noted that the Council had been asked to pledge support of up to £500,000 which could be called upon if the Museums fundraising was not successful. It was clarified that the financial support requested was in the form of a loan which would be repaid to the Council at a later date.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler highlighted that: The Museum had additional space that was underutilised; it had a respectable track record of completing previous projects on time and on budget, and he was confident in the ability of the Museum to deliver on this project and achieve funding from the HLF.

The Leader explained that Salisbury had been highlighted as a venue for national art exhibitions touring the country as part of the Salisbury recovery plan.

In response to a series of questions raised by Councillor Stewart Palmen about Council support for other Museums in the County, in particular Trowbridge Museum who had achieved a similar expansion plan, Councillor Clewer stated: that it was unfortunate that grants were no longer available for Trowbridge Museum and halved for Salisbury Museum, however, he congratulated Trowbridge Museum for achieving grants from a variety of sources including the HLF; it was the aim of the Council for all the county museums to achieve parity.  

In response to further questions at the meeting about funding for Salisbury Museum, Councillor Matthew Dean confirmed that Salisbury City Council provide an annual grant to the Museum.

Councillor Ian Thorn indicated that the Financial Planning Task Group were supportive of the proposed financial commitment in light of the Salisbury recovery effort.

Councillor Clewer confirmed that requests for support would be considered by the Council on a case by case basis, in this instance, the Cabinet was being asked to consider the request from Salisbury Museum.

Resolved

i)             To approve the request for a pledge of financial support as set out in the report;

ii)            To consider the form of assistance at the end of the two year project preparation period and in the meantime, to earmark £500k from reserves. A further report will be made to Cabinet at that time.

iii)          To delegate authority to the Council’s S151 Officer to:

a.    To approve and enter into a letter of intent or similar document demonstrating the Council’s intention to grant or loan up to a maximum of £500,000 for the project; and

b.    To approve and enter into a formal grant agreement or loan agreement at the relevant time in approximately 2 years, up to a maximum of £500,000 for the project and otherwise on the terms set out in this report.

Reason for Decision:

A recent submission for grant was unsuccessful and to improve its chances of

success a fresh application is to be made together with help from the Council.