Decision details

Options for future delivery of tourism, marketing and events support

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

It was proposed by Councillor McPhail and seconded by Councillor Richards:

 

that the Mayor be recommended to instruct Torbay Development Agency, as part of its strategic economic development function, to identify the strategic delivery options (assuming the retention of the Riviera International Conference Centre) and report back to Full Council within four months.

 

The high level options identified to date include:

·        Consolidation of English Riviera Tourism Company (ERTC), RICC Ltd and Residents & Visitor Services (R&VS) Events Team functions into a single entity or a combination thereof.

·        Establishment of a new Company controlled by Torbay Council, or seek a Private Sector Partnership (PSP) via a formal procurement, or transfer ERTC and certain RICC Ltd operations to direct council ownership and control.

·        Maintain status quo but establish more stringent processes that promote greater efficiency and co-ordination.

 

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Darling and seconded by Councillor Baldrey:

 

that officers take no action on this proposal and a report be prepared on the long term viability of the Riviera International Conference Centre to establish a clear financial way forward.

 

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4 a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For: Councillors Baldrey, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), Morey, Parrott, Pentney, Pountney, Stockman and Stringer (14);  Against:  The Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Bent, Brooksbank, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Hytche, James, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Pritchard, Richards, Scouler, Thomas (D), Thomas (J) and Tyerman (20);  Abstain:  Councillor Mills (1);  and Absent:  Councillors Butt and Stocks (2).  Therefore, the amendment was declared lost.

 

The original motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

 

Report author: Alan Denby TDA

Publication date: 19/07/2011

Date of decision: 13/07/2011

Decided at meeting: 13/07/2011 - Council

Effective from: 27/07/2011

This decision has been called in by:

  • Councillor Julien Parrott who writes The above decision was called-in by Councillors Parrott, Ellery, Cowell, Stockman, Morey, Darling, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), Pentney, and Pountney on 25 and 26 July 2011. The reasons for the call-in are: 1) We firmly believe that this call-in will provide the opportunity for business owners and leaders, experts, and interested members of the public to make their case against a further review of the tourism strategy prior to the Mayor making a final decision on whether or not to proceed. And that these arguments will have a major impact on his decision. 2) Given that the English Riviera Tourism Company (ERTC) was only set up some nine months ago following a discussion by full Tory led Council (25 March 2010), we now ask to be provided with the reasons for the u-turn on our tourism strategy. In particular we ask why at least eight members of the previous Tory administration that were enthusiastic supporters and promoters of ‘Turning the tide for Tourism in Torbay’ now feel it is not the best option for the Bay? 3) With the Council having to make cuts to services in the order of £9-11 million in 2012/13, how can the Mayor justify asking hard-pressed officers to duplicate a review that was carried out only 18 months ago? That review cost the tax-payers £111,000 in consultancy fees and £100,000 in start up fees for the ERTC, as well as so far undisclosed amounts on legal, HR and council officer time. 4) We strongly believe that any review of the ETRC and RICC cannot be thorough and conclusive unless there is a full and detailed analysis of the future shape of the RICC. The full costs of maintaining and operating the centre must be laid before the council and the ERTC board, as well as the potential for future conference business. There is a changing market place and increased competition with newer facilities. Is the centre still in a position to compete for business on a level playing field? Added to this, making a long-term financial commitment to what is essentially a private business a"

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Governance Support

About the council