The Scrutiny Committee - Communities of Somerset Council discussed several key issues, including the Glastonbury Festival, the devolution of services, budget monitoring, taxi fares, and the Octagon Theatre capital programme. Decisions were made on recommending further analysis of taxi fare impacts and adding the Octagon Theatre project to the capital programme.

Glastonbury Festival Update

Sarah Dowden, Service Director for Regulatory and Operational Services, provided an update on the management and monitoring of the Glastonbury Festival. The council aims to improve efficiencies by reducing on-site staff. Key points included:

• The council's role is to monitor compliance with licensing conditions, not to provide services.
• Other agencies, such as the police and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST), can charge for additional resources.
• Public health services work alongside the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) without charging for their services.
• The maximum charge for licensing is £32,000, and additional voluntary contributions cannot be requested.
• There are formal feedback meetings multiple times a day to adapt and focus resources.
• The festival generates significant economic benefits, including £32 million for Somerset businesses and £168 million overall.

Devolution of Services Update

Sarah Dowden also updated on the devolution of services to Bridgwater Town Council, including street cleansing, ground maintenance, and fly-tipping. The transfer is set for 1 May 2024. Discussions highlighted:

• Existing contracts in Bridgwater are in-house, allowing flexibility.
• Bridgwater Carnival cleanup will now be managed by the town council.
• The overall cost to taxpayers is uncertain, but Bridgwater's precept increased by £3.52 per week for Band D.
• Quarterly meetings will review service levels, and staff consistency is maintained through TUPE transfers.
• Other towns and parishes, such as Williton Parish Council, expressed interest in the devolution process.

Community Services Budget Monitoring

Christian Evans, Head of Finance Business Partnering, reported a £700,000 underspend in Community Services, an improvement of £400,000 from the previous month. Key points included:

• The committee congratulated the Community Directorate for balancing the budget.
• Housing options have ringfenced government grants, with reserves in the budget.
• Increased ticket sales for the pantomime were noted, though associated costs were not detailed.

Taxi Fares - Tables 2024

Public statements were made by Jared Colclough and Robin Colclough, representing the Taunton taxi drivers and owners trade association. They expressed concerns about proposed tariff changes affecting drivers' earnings. Key points included:

• The proposed change to time-and-a-half rates from 22:00 to 23:00 would significantly impact drivers' earnings.
• The extra charge for larger vehicles is insufficient to cover additional costs.
• The committee resolved to recommend that the Executive Committee consider all factors affecting taxi driver incomes and compare rates with other rural authorities.

Octagon Theatre - Capital Programme

Steve Hughes, Programme Manager, and Liz Dawson, Service Director for Cultural Services, presented a revised plan for the Octagon Theatre project. The committee discussed:

• Funding sources, including £10 million from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and £3.75 million from Yeovil Town Council.
• The need for a risk register and a timetable of expected milestones.
• The revised scheme focuses on refurbishment rather than expansion, maintaining the current auditorium size.
• The project aims to protect jobs, promote tourism, and benefit the local community.

The committee agreed to revisit the project in August before the full business case is submitted to DCMS in September.