Petitions
A petition has been received from Gaynor Sedgwick (Chair of the Save Eastbourne Bandstand Group) signed by 2,319 members of the public which states:
‘We the undersigned request that members of Eastbourne Borough Council and their officers:
1. Prioritise the immediate need of the Bandstand above other projects for any appropriate funding opportunities that arise.
2. Set up a planned, ongoing, increased and realistic annual maintenance budget and programme of works for the Bandstand with the aim to repair, restore and re-open the Bandstand.”
This will be formally presented at the meeting by Gaynor Sedgwick and discussed in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme.
Minutes:
Gaynor Sedgwick (Chair of the Save Eastbourne Bandstand Group) presented to the Council a petition signed by 2,319 members of the public asking that:
“Members of Eastbourne Borough Council and their officers:
1. Prioritise the immediate need of the Bandstand above other projects for any appropriate funding opportunities that arise.
2. Set up a planned, ongoing, increased and realistic annual maintenance budget and programme of works for the Bandstand with the aim to repair, restore and re-open the Bandstand.”
Prior to debate, the Council’s Solicitor provided legal advice on the options available to the Council under its Petitions Scheme but confirmed that accepting the proposed action in full was not possible at this meeting. This was because it related to a budgetary decision recently made by Council, had legal and financial implications, and must be determined within the context of a budget setting process.
The Council welcomed the petition, and thanked Gaynor Sedgewick for presenting it. The Council then debated the matter, and the options available.
Following the debate, Councillor Tutt moved and Councillor Holt seconded a proposal that ‘The petition be taken as a bid to the Capital Programme for 2023/24’.
This was put to a vote and declared carried:
RESOLVED (By 22 votes to 0, with 3 abstentions) –
That the petition be taken as a bid to the Capital Programme for 2023/24.