Purpose

The purpose of this report is to:
1. Update Cabinet on the due diligence of the preferred delivery
model for the provision of museum services in Northumberland;
and
2. Seek agreement on next steps to secure the long-term future for
museum service delivery in Northumberland.

Content

RESOLVED that:-
 
a)      
Cabinet agree that the preferred option for the delivery of museum
services in Northumberland is a shared services arrangement in
partnership with Tyne & Wear Museums and Archives;
 
b)      
Cabinet agree that officers should engage with the Tyne & Wear
Archives Museums (“TWAM”) partnership, namely its
constituent authorities: Newcastle City Council, Gateshead
Metropolitan Borough Council, North Tyneside Council and South
Tyneside Council and the accountable body: Newcastle City Council
in relation to the expansion of the TWAM partnership;
 
c)      
authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place and
Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Director for
Transformation and Resources, the Director for Law and Corporate
Governance and the Portfolio Holder for Healthier Lives, subject to
agreement of all parties, to give effect to the transfer and
prepare all necessary legal documentation in relation to joining
the Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums partnership and shared
services arrangement;
 
d)      
Cabinet note that there will be additional year 1 transition costs
to the Council in 2025-26 of circa £0.370 million, of which
£0.270 million can be funded from existing Council funding
and the remaining £0.100 million will be subject to the
approval of a non recurrent pressure in
2025-26, submitted as part of the 2025-26 budget and MTFP 2025-29;
and
 
e)      
Cabinet note the update on progress of the Living Barracks project
and the partnership approach for delivery.