Council and councillors

Report no: 71/2020

(Key decision)

1)    Cabinet noted the development of the Discover Rutland Tourism Strategy by the Discover Rutland Management Board.

2)    Cabinet approved the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign, which will support the delivery of the objectives outlined in the Strategy, and strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the county’s economic recovery.

Additional Recommendation:

3)    Cabinet requested that ‘Discover Rutland’ provide a business plan and action plan for review and authority be delegated to the relevant Portfolio Holder in conjunction with Strategic Director of Places to assess to soundness of both plans.

Councillor Hemsley, as the relevant Cabinet Member, commented that the report was seeking Members approval for the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign. It was noted that tourism in Rutland was worth in excess of £135 million

and the Tourism Strategy could assist and enhance the economic recovery of tourism following Covid pandemic.

Councillor Stephenson commented that the Tourism Strategy focused primarily on Rutland Water and requested that more emphasis be placed on the wider community, such as the Museum and the Castle. She further noted that consideration should be given to local infrastructure as there had been significant impacts of villages in close proximity to Rutland Water with regards to illegal parking.

It was explained that CIL monies would be targeted at infrastructure as S106 money could not be used for tourism purposes.

Councillor G Brown noted the he considered the strategy to be ambitious, but asked that additional information in the form of a business plan and an updated action plan be provided by Discover Rutland.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the development of the Discover Rutland Tourism Strategy by the Discover Rutland Management Board be noted.

2)    That the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund be approved, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign, which will support the delivery of the objectives outlined in the Strategy, and strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the county’s economic recovery.

Additional Recommendation:

3)    That it be requested that ‘Discover Rutland’ provide a business plan and action plan for review and authority be delegated to the relevant Portfolio Holder in conjunction with Strategic Director of Places to assess to soundness of both plans.