Purpose

The operation of the Hippodrome requires a
financial subsidy from the Council. The Hippodrome Business Plan
seeks to drive challenge and initiatives to reduce this subsidy.
This aligns with the Councils drive to ensure best value and the
Council Plan principle of efficient and effective use of
resources.

A restoration levy on ticket sales has been in place for a number
of years to fund the cost of borrowing for the of the restoration.
However, the Council is aware other Theatres operate a booking fee
system.

A benchmarking exercise has been undertaken across a range of
venues and a number have now introduced booking fees to assist with
the costs of providing services on a commercial basis. Locally fees
range from £0.50p (Arc Stockton), £3.95 (Stockton
Globe) and £1.20 to £2.50 (Middlesbrough venues).

The Scheme of Delegation to Officers in the Constitution allows
officers to make decisions on the operation of Cultural and Leisure
services to enable them to operate on a more commercial basis. The
proposed booking fee will reduce the operating subsidy on the
Hippodrome and as such is a commercial decision covered by the
scheme of delegation.

Based on the benchmarking exercise a £1 booking fee will be
added to each individual ticket purchase (including concessionary
tickets). Family and children’s shows will continue without
the restoration levy but will include a £1 booking fee per
ticket.

The £1 per ticket booking fee will show in the customers
basket alongside the £2 levy per ticket when purchasing
tickets online. If purchasing via the box office counter or over
the phone, the box office team member will advise the customer of
the total booking fees as well as the levy as part of the overall
order cost.

Consultation has taken place with the Cabinet Member for Local
Services.

21 October 2024.

Decision

To implement a booking fee from 1 January 2025
as outlined in this decision record.

To support the Hippodrome business plan and reduce the overall
subsidy which aligns with the Councils drive to ensure best value
and the Council Plan principle of efficient and effective use of
resources.