Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing

Purpose of report

Cherwell District Council is the principal funder of The Banbury Museum Trust.  This report sets out the reasoning for an award of grant funding until March 2027.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To award Banbury Museum Trust a grant for their continued operation until 31 March 2027.

Resolved

(1)            That Banbury Museum Trust be awarded a grant for their continued operation until 31 March 202

The Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing submitted a report which t sets out the reasoning for an award of grant funding until March 2027 to The Banbury Museum, of which Cherwell District Council was the principal funder.

In considering the report, Executive members noted that whilst some outreach work was already undertaken, they commented on the importance of Banbury Museum catering for the whole district.

Resolved

(1)            That Banbury Museum Trust be awarded a grant for their continued operation until 31 March 2027.

Reasons

The continued funding of Banbury Museum and Gallery is in line with approved budget plans and maintains the Councils commitment to providing high quality opportunities to participate in cultural activity locally for residents.

Alternative options

Option 1: To fund the museum at the previous level and not achieve budget savings as approved

Rejected; The Council must balance its budget and continue to drive efficiencies in its own and funded operations.

Option 2: To not fund the Museum

Rejected; This would result in immediate closure and run counter to the Councils current agreed policies.