That:

1)    Torbay Council will deliver, with partners, the English Riviera Airshow in 2024;

2)    The 2024 English Riviera Airshow will include flight displays over 2 days (subject to a viable business plan and sufficient fundraising);

3)    Cabinet delegates responsibility for the development and approval of the business plan by the end of September 2023, taking into account the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, to the Divisional Director for Economy, Environment, and Infrastructure in consultation with Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth and Deputy Leader of the Council and Director of Finance; and

4)    Torbay Council contributes a maximum of £100,000 toward the English Riviera Airshow 2024 as match funding to contributions from public donations and sponsorship and the Director of Finance be requested to include the funding in the draft budget proposals for 2024/2025.

The Cabinet was required to respond to the findings of the spotlight review undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

The Cabinet were aware that the Overview and Scrutiny Board were presented with a number of options which were discussed at length by the Overview and Scrutiny Board namely:

·                     Option 1:  Torbay Council continues to own and deliver the English Riviera Airshow.

·                     Option 2:  Facilitate the provision of the Air Show by another organisation (e.g. not for profit).

·                     Option 3:  Removing the Airshow from the Council’s delivery plans and redirecting financial support into other (new) events or attractions across the Torbay event calendar.

·                     Option 4:  Remove the Airshow from the Council’s delivery plans with no plans to redirect funding.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 29 August 2023 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Cabinet received the English Riviera Airshow Spotlight Review – Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Board.  The Overview and Scrutiny Board undertook a spotlight review into the future of the English Riviera Airshow and examined the background report and supporting documents (full details of which can be found at: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticServices/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=218&MId=25482&Ver=4). 

The Overview and Scrutiny Board also heard from a number of stakeholders who were fully in support of the continuance of the English Riviera Airshow and recognised the importance to the local economy as well as the social value and health and wellbeing benefits to local residents as well as visitors. 

The Overview and Scrutiny Board made a number of recommendations and in accordance with section D7 of Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny as set out in the Constitution, the Cabinet has responded to the recommendations.  At the meeting of the Cabinet, Councillor Chris Lewis proposed and Councillor David Thomas seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.