Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report on options for addressing the future of the Norton Collection and the Bromsgrove Museum including the proposal submitted by the Consortium “The Friends of the Museum”. Cabinet Members were reminded of their separate roles as Members of the District Council and as Trustees of the Collection.

Detailed consideration was given to the financial aspects of the current situation and the likely future budget implications.  

The Cabinet were conscious of the need to consider the issues in the light of the agreed priorities of the Council, the need to achieve value for money and to ensure the best use of the assets of the Council. This had to be balanced against the benefit to the public of the museum, including the historical and educational value of the collection and its role in preserving the heritage of the District.

During part of the discussion the public were excluded from the meeting as referred to in Minute No. 71/08 above. In response to a query from a Member, the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services advised on the possible legal implications which had to be taken into consideration as part of the decision making process.

Following consideration of the options set out in the report, option 5 was favoured and it was therefore 

RECOMMENDED:

(a)       that the Museum be closed permanently;

(b)       that authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects to set up a suitable advisory group to investigate the costs and implications of option 5 (including taking specialist legal advice, specialist advice on removal and storage of the Collection and future management of the Collection) and to report back to Council to request the release of appropriate funding from balances to effect option 5;

(c)        that authority be delegated to the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects and the relevant Portfolio Holder to amend the Trust Deed in such a manner as is considered appropriate;

(d)       that the artefacts within the Collection be catalogued;

(e)       that the artefacts within the Collection be professionally moved and stored.

(For the avoidance of doubt please note that (a), (b) and (c) above are recommended to the Council in its capacity as Local Authority and (d) and (e) above are recommended to the Council in its capacity as Trustee.)

RESOLVED:  

(a)       that the business tenancy be terminated;

(b)       that the Premises be sold or utilised for the best price achievable and that authority be delegated to the Corporate Property Officer to effect this; and

(c)        that authority be delegated to the Corporate Property Officer to identify a suitable location for the storage of reserve artefacts from the Collection free of charge.