Decision

RESOLVED That Cabinet:

1. 1)           supported the proposed Civic Delegation to Auschwitz to be organised with support and advice from the Holocaust Educational Trust.
2. 2)           That the Cabinet agreed the allocation of up to £30,000 to be allocated from the contingency budget within the 2026/27 Revenue Budget. 

Reasons for decision

The proposed visit is intended to support the Council’s Holocaust Memorial Day activity (in January annually), strengthen community cohesion and create a legacy of remembrance ahead of local government reorganisation in 2028.

Alternative Options Considered

The Cabinet could decide not to proceed with the proposed visit or could consider that the council explore organising an independent visit not linked to the Holocaust Education Trust at later date.

However, it should be noted that the Trust did not recommend a visit toAuschwitz between November and end of February due to the prohibitively cold weather. This would also have meant losing the operational and educational input and expertise of the Trust as valued partners.

Given the challenges of undertaking this visit as a day trip an alternative option, would be to consider an overnight trip flying from a more convenient airport and at a more convenient time (the Holocaust Educational Trust visit departs from Stansted airport leaving early in the morning and arriving back late at night). The Cabinet could have considered limiting the Mayoral request for professional filming of the visit.