The Council considered the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Board following the call-in of the Mayor’s decision regarding the options for future delivery of tourism, marketing and events support as set out in the submitted report.

It was proposed by Councillor Thomas (J) and seconded by Councillor Darling:

That the Mayor be recommended:

(i)         that any options review is not conducted until 2014 as this will coincide with the need to refresh our Tourism Strategy, Turing the Tide for Tourism in Torbay 2010 – 2015;

(ii)        working with key events organisations in the Bay the Mayor immediately creates an Events & Marketing Forum with the objective of generating far greater integration and coordination of tourism marketing (including business tourism activities) and events activity.  In recognition of the financial support the Council provides to the English Riviera Tourism Company and Riviera International Conference Centre they would be expected to play a leading role in the forum and delivering its objectives; and

(iii)       the English Riviera Tourism Company and Riviera International Conference Centre are challenged to increase their collaborative working to reduce duplication, increase economies of scale and improve the product that both organisations are able to offer.  Without creating a target or ceiling to the efficiencies that can be created they should be challenged to create identifiable efficiency savings within one year in a manner that at least maintains the outcomes they create and ideally improves them.  Then they should create a business plan to demonstrate how they can continue to create efficiencies to reduce public subsidy and improve outcomes for the Bay in years to come.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried (unanimous).

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Council set out in (i) to (iii) above at the meeting and the record of his decision is attached to these Minutes.

(Note:  prior to consideration of Minute 308, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Stringer declared a personal interest as a Board Member.)

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.