Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 17, 2024

Purpose: This Report provides an overview of the Councils activity in relation to events and outlines a proposed framework to guide future resource allocation to both internal, and externally organised events. The new approach to event regulation is designed in the context of Martyn’s Law and the protective security considerations to be undertaken by the Council through the ‘Local Approach’.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   1.1      Cabinet endorse the creation of a new ‘standing’ Northumberland Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to increase robustness of the process, and in accordance with the duties of Martyn's Law and the Local Approach;   1.2      Cabinet endorse the establishment of a new ‘Safer Events Working Group’ in collaboration with the Blue Light Services and sector representatives;   1.3      Cabinet agree to establish an annual ‘Strategic Events Fund’ of £60,000 to support the delivery of a balanced programme of internally and externally organised events across the County from April 2025 onwards. This will be subject to submission and approval of a growth bid to establish a recurrent budget as part of the 2025-26 budget and MTFP 2025-29; and   1.4      Cabinet agree that the Northumberland response to national programmes of commemoration and celebration will be subject to submission of a request for a non-recurrent virement from Contingency if required.