Decision

RESOLVED:

1. 1)                                                Cabinet recommended that Council:

a.  Endorsed the importance of growing our Borough’s international links and profile in a post-Brexit increasingly globalised world.

b.  Sought to grow such international links where the potential exists to deliver clear and quantifiable business, economic and cultural benefits to the borough.

c.  Approved the Business and Cultural Cooperation Agreement between Hertsmere Borough Council and the Municipality of Iași, Romania, attached at Appendix 1;

d.  authorised the Leader of the Council to sign the Agreement on behalf of Hertsmere Borough Council; and

e.  agreed that minor amendments which do not alter the substance of the Agreement may be made by the Assistant Director Policy & Partnerships, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Monitoring Officer, before signature.

1. 2)                                                Cabinet approved expenditure of up to £10,000 to enable Hertsmere Borough Council to host a delegation from the Municipality of Iași in November 2026, funded from contingency budget.
2. 3)                                                Cabinet approved expenditure of up to £10,000 to enable Hertsmere Borough Council to host a delegation from the Municipality of Iași in November 2026, funded from contingency budget. Cabinet was asked to delegate authority to the Assistant Director Policy & Partnerships, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s), to agree the programme for the delegation visit and to oversee the initial delivery arrangements under the Agreement within approved budgets.

Reasons for decision

Hertsmere has significant strengths in film and television production, creative industries, cultural activity, education and enterprise. Iași is a major Romanian centre for culture, higher education, research, technology and business. A structured relationship offers a credible basis on which organisations in both places can identify opportunities and develop direct working links.

Alternative Options Considered

Do not enter into the Agreement. This would have avoided the limited officer time and hosting expenditure involved, but would lose the opportunity to convert discussions with Iași into a structured programme capable of generating economic, cultural and institutional benefits.