Purpose

Following a review of Merton’s Event Management arrangements, we make four recommendations which will establish an improved process for event applications, their tracking, triage and processing together with a new events policy and clarity as to when and how a SAG should be convened. The benefits of adopting the recommendations include:

- Events that are safe, successful and well run
- Supporting Civic Pride: making it easier for event organisers to apply for an operate events in Merton attracting people and inward investment to Merton. Making Merton a destination for events.
- Supporting local businesses and the night time economy
- Facilitating the promotion of events through our comms team
- Structured method of engaging with partners to ensure safe and well-run events

Decision

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

A. Established a single events application and tracking process, associated fees and charges and clear responsibility for processing of applications and administration of meetings including Safety Advisory Group meetings.

B. Approved the schedule of fees and charges shown in Appendix E.

C. Adopted the new Events Policy and SAG (Safety Advisory Group) Terms of Reference.

D. Allocated the responsibility for Charing SAG meetings to the Assistant Director for Public Protection (or suitable delegate) and mandate that sports ground safety and associated events are to follow the same processes and procedures for other events as recommended by this report.

E. Delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Civic Pride and Climate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, amendments to the application process and associated fees and charges