Issue - meetings

1.  That the proposed policy governing the use of Jubilee Square be agreed, subject to the deletion of paragraphs 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 and the Committee receiving a further report that makes clear the difference between types of use, licensing and hiring.

2.  That the pricing schedule set out in paragraph 5.8.1 of the Policy be agreed.

3.  That the progress toward the establishment of a Farmers Market on Jubilee Square be noted.

Fran Wallis, Economic Development Officer, introduced the report on the policy for the use of Jubilee Square and provided background to the issue.

The Chairman read a statement submitted by a Councillor which the majority of the Committee had received, asking for the removal of political meetings and rallies from the Undesirable Uses category.

During discussion the following points were raised:

·  There was a difference between using the square and hiring the square, and clarification was sought on whether the policy affected the ability of members of the public to gather outside of the town hall.

·  A Local Authority could not control political protest. If the size of a protest was deemed a concern then the police would be contacted.

·  If a protest involved people with placards, no action would be required from MBC. If the protest involved the erection of a structure or amplifying equipment, then this would require MBC and KCC approval.

·  It was requested that the interim Director of Regeneration and Place and the legal advisor investigate the issues raised and return with alternative wording for paragraphs 4.3.2 and 4.3.3

The Committee wished the excellent quality of the report to be noted.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the proposed policy governing the use of Jubilee Square be agreed, subject to the deletion of paragraphs 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 and the Committee receiving a further report that makes clear the difference between types of use, licensing and hiring.

2.  That the pricing schedule set out in paragraph 5.8.1 of the Policy be agreed.

3.  That the progress toward the establishment of a Farmers Market on Jubilee Square be noted.

For – 8  Against – 0    Abstain – 0