Issue - meetings

Option 1:Notes the update, determines whether £40K or £50K is to be recommended, and seeks Council approval at the beginning of February, to allow earlier progress towards festivals and events for 2012 and 2013 – as set out in paragraph 3.3. above.

Option 2: Notes the update, determines whether £40K or £50K growth be proposed, but does not agree to seek early budget update and delays any decision until budget council at the end of February 2012.

Option 3:Notes the update and decides to provide some funding to cover the necessary health and safety costs associated with the torch passing through the district.

Advantages

It will encourage visitors to the district at the time – supporting the regeneration priority.

Unprecedented local,

regional, national and

international coverage of the district – raising the profile of Lancaster and

Morecambe long term as an attractive place to visit/stay, supporting the

regeneration of the district.

It will help potential visitors to geographically locate Lancaster / Morecambe as a visitor destination close to the Lake District,

It will demonstrate to other potential event organisers that this district is able to successfully host

international scale events.

This again supports the regeneration priority.

It will be an enormous

opportunity for the

community to come

together and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.

It will also help to enhance the community’s sense of

pride in the district.

It will raise the profile of sport amongst local people and provide a springboard to encourage regular

exercise and sporting

opportunities.

Creates certainty and planning time for businesses who will benefit from the events

Supports the council’s priorities and a significant element of the council’s Visitor Marketing Plan

Council is able to make any decision within the overall context of setting its budget for 2012/13.

Allows the Torch to pass through the district safely.

Disadvantages

Decision taken ahead of wider budget setting context.

Resource implications – people and financial.

Failure to realise the massive benefits this event might bring