Decision details

Dorset Council Tourist Information Centres (TICs) - transition funding for town council at Wareham as Dorset Council is ceasing to provide ongoing funding for the local TIC.

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Decision

 

To provide Wareham Town Council with a one-off support payment of £20,000 to facilitate the development of an alternative service offer as identified through the proposal submitted by the Town Council. This funding is to support the town council in delivering the proposed alternative arrangements for visitor information services because the local Dorset Council Tourist Information Centre is no longer being funded by Dorset Council from April 2021.

 

Reason for the Decision

 

TICs are a discretionary service and there is disparity across the council area. The council concluded a review of this service and on 2 March 2021, the Cabinet decided to stop directly funding the 3 TICs that it manages and agreed that the council would offer one off support funding for suitable transitionary arrangements to reduce the impact of the closure of the TIC on the local community.

 

Alternative Options considered and rejected

 

Not applicable

 

Consultees

 

John Sellgren, Executive Director for Place

 

Budget Implications

 

The service budget for 2021/22 includes some funding for transitional support payments to the town councils. Therefore, there is provision within the existing budget to make this one off payment to Wareham Town Council.

 

Legal Implications

 

None identified. Dorset Council’s Cabinet received a report on the TIC service review and made a decision on the way forward for Dorset Council in respect of its approach to funding and managing the TICs.

 

References

 

Report to Dorset Council's Cabinet - 2 March 2021

Report to Dorset Council's Place & Resources Overview Committee - 25 February 2021

Decision:

To provide Wareham Town Council with a one-off support payment of £20,000 to facilitate the development of an alternative service offer as identified through the proposal submitted by the Town Council. This funding is to support the town council in delivering the proposed alternative arrangements for visitor information services because the local Dorset Council Tourist Information Centre is no longer being funded by Dorset Council from April 2021.

 

Publication date: 02/12/2021

Date of decision: 02/12/2021